6.5-Magnitude Earthquake Kills 2 in Southern Mexico

A powerful 6.5-magnitude earthquake struck southern Mexico on Friday, killing at least two people and causing widespread damage to homes, roads and hospitals.

The epicenter was near the town of San Marcos in Guerrero, close to the Pacific coast resort of Acapulco, according to Mexico’s National Seismological Agency.

More than 500 aftershocks were reported following the quake.

A 50-year-old woman in Guerrero died when part of her home collapsed and another 60-year-old man died in the incident.

Hundreds of homes were partially damaged and at least five people were treated at a local hospital, which also suffered structural damage.

Civil defense authorities in Guerrero reported landslides along highways around Acapulco.

The earthquake briefly interrupted President Claudia Sheinbaum’s first press briefing of the new year as seismic alarms sounded across the region.

Authorities evacuated patients from damaged hospitals and emergency teams are responding to affected areas. (Agencies)