Mexico's Shaky Start to the New Year

Mexico faced a rough start to the new year with a strong earthquake hitting the southern part of the country. The quake caused significant damage, including collapsed homes and disrupted roads. Sadly, two people lost their lives due to the tremors. The earthquake, which struck near the Pacific Coast in Guerrero, was felt strongly in Mexico City, over 180 miles away from the epicenter. The city's famous Angel of Independence monument swayed visibly, capturing the attention of many. People rushed out into the streets, some still in their pajamas, as the seismic alarm blared. The quake, measuring 6. 5 on the Richter scale, was followed by numerous aftershocks, the strongest being a magnitude 4. 7. Authorities reported landslides, gas leaks, and damage to homes and public buildings. The state of Guerrero, known for its popular beach resorts like Acapulco, is still recovering from a powerful hurricane that hit in 2023.In Mexico City, videos showed cracks in homes, swaying buildings, and even a traffic light crashing onto the road. Despite the drama, authorities did not report any major damage. The international airports in Mexico City and Acapulco sustained minor damage but continued to operate normally. President Claudia Sheinbaum's first press conference of the year took an unexpected turn when the earthquake struck. She calmly evacuated alongside journalists and resumed the conference afterward, showing a composed response to the situation. The earthquake serves as a reminder of the constant threat of natural disasters in Mexico. It highlights the importance of preparedness and resilience in the face of such events.