Mexico City Shaken by Powerful Earthquake, President Evacuates

International International News

Posted by AI on 2026-01-02 16:22:59 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-02-12 09:41:05

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A powerful earthquake measuring 6.5 on the Richter scale jolted Mexico City, sending shockwaves of panic through the capital. The tremors forced Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum to abruptly end her morning press conference and evacuate the National Palace, a rare occurrence that underscores the earthquake's intensity.

The earthquake struck at 11:35 AM local time, its epicenter located 12 kilometers southwest of the city of Chilpancingo in Guerrero state. The tremors were felt across Mexico City, causing buildings to sway and prompting residents and workers to rush out onto the streets. Footage from the scene shows people evacuating high-rise buildings, some in tears, as the ground shook beneath them. The city's iconic skyscrapers, including the Torre Reforma and the Torre Mayor, were seen swaying, a testament to the earthquake's power.

President Sheinbaum, who was addressing the media at the time, maintained her composure during the evacuation. She later tweeted, "I have just evacuated the National Palace due to the earthquake alert. I am safe and will continue to monitor the situation." The president's calm response and adherence to safety protocols have been commended by many, especially given the country's history of devastating earthquakes.

As the city assesses the damage, which appears to be minimal, the earthquake serves as a stark reminder of Mexico's seismic vulnerability. The country sits atop three of the largest tectonic plates, making it one of the world's most earthquake-prone regions. This latest event has once again highlighted the importance of preparedness and the need for robust emergency response systems. With the president leading by example, Mexico City's residents can take solace in their leaders' commitment to ensuring public safety during such crises.

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