The start of 2026 brought an unforgettable jolt to Mexico! On Friday morning, January 2nd, a powerful 6.5-magnitude earthquake struck the southern state of Guerrero, sending significant tremors throughout central Mexico and causing widespread shaking in Mexico City. The epicenter was located near the town of San Marcos, approximately 57 miles northeast of the popular Pacific coast resort of Acapulco, at a depth of about 21.7 miles.
The quake’s impact was immediate and dramatic. Even President Claudia Sheinbaum found her day abruptly interrupted. She was in the midst of her first press conference of the year at the National Palace when the seismic alarm system began to wail. Demonstrating adherence to safety procedures, the President and all present reporters promptly evacuated the swaying building.
In a display of calm leadership, Sheinbaum resumed her briefing shortly after, reassuring the nation. She confirmed that all civil defense protocols were fully mobilized and that she was in direct contact with Guerrero’s Governor, Evelyn Salgado. The good news: fortunately, initial reports indicated no significant damage or victims in either Guerrero or the capital, a testament to modern building codes and rapid response.
Mexico City experienced the earthquake with particular intensity. Due to its unique geology—being built on an ancient lakebed—the city’s soft soil amplifies seismic waves, making even distant quakes feel more powerful. This led thousands of residents, some caught off guard in their pajamas, to stream out of buildings and gather on major avenues like the Paseo de la Reforma, relying on the crucial seconds of warning provided by the city’s advanced alert system.
This seismic event served as a potent reminder of Mexico’s geological reality, but also underscored the nation’s robust emergency response and the resilience of its people in the face of natural challenges.
