6.0 Magnitude Earthquake in Mexico: Quake Shakes Mexico City, No Damages Reported

In the morning of August 21, a quake of nearly 6.0-magnitude shook central Mexico, according to a report published by CNN. The quake movement took place at around 7:38 a.m.

The National Seismological Service (SSN) reported that the quake's epicenter was 17 kilometers west of the state of Guerrero, were seismological alerts were activated moments before the earthquake. Almost 24 minutes later, a replica of the tremor was registered at almost 5.62 degrees with its epicenter was in the same state.

Civil Protection authorities in Mexico announced the activation of citizen protection protocols due to the quake being felt all the way to the country's capital. Meanwhile, the governor of Guerrero, Ángel Aguirre, shared a report on the material damages caused by the quake. Most of the damages occurred in the beaches of Acapulco, one of the main touristic centers of the country, and in some hospitals, which prompted the evacuation of patients.

According to CNN, Ángel Aguirre also pointed out that classes were suspended in schools to avoid putting children at risk, with the purpose of carrying out an extensive evaluation of the conditions of the facilities; he said that classes will resume on Thursday, August 22. 

The Chief of Government of Mexico City, Miguel Ángel Mancera, shared through his Twitter account that after security protocols took place, no casualties or damages were found. However, the Civil Protection helicopters continued to fly over downtown for a few hours after the quake, to look for and evaluate the existence of some damage in homes and buildings.

Meanwhile, the Federal Electricity Commission explained that "no incidents are reported and the transmission and distribution of electricity service operates normally" after the quake and its replica. The Secretariat of Public Safety of Mexico City said through a statement that there was no damage in any of the five zones of the capital city.

Luis Felipe Puente, coordinator of the Civil Protection System, said that the quake had an approximate duration of 50 seconds, causing a crisis and panic mainly among the residents of the Condesa zone in the city's downtown.