A powerful 6.5-magnitude earthquake struck southern and central Mexico on the morning of Friday, January 2, 2026, claiming at least two lives and triggering widespread evacuations. The seismic event, centered in the state of Guerrero, sent tremors through the capital, interrupting the first presidential press briefing of the year and forcing thousands into the streets during a holiday weekend.
The earthquake occurred at approximately 7:58 a.m. local time, with its epicenter located near the town of San Marcos, roughly 35 miles (57 km) from the tourist hub of Acapulco.
Casualties and Immediate Impact
Authorities confirmed two fatalities resulting from the quake, each occurring under different circumstances related to the shaking:
- In Guerrero: A 56-year-old woman died in a small community near San Marcos when her home collapsed during the initial tremor.
- In Mexico City: A 67-year-old man in the Benito Juárez municipality lost his life after suffering a fall and an apparent medical emergency while attempting to evacuate his second-floor apartment.
At least 24 people were injured across the region, with 12 hospitalizations reported in Guerrero and 12 in the capital. While no catastrophic structural failures were reported in major cities, San Marcos saw roughly 70 homes collapse, with hundreds more suffering significant cracks.
Disruption at the National Level
The earthquake provided a dramatic start to the political year. President Claudia Sheinbaum was forced to abruptly halt her morning press conference at the National Palace as seismic alarms pierced the room. A video of the President calmly urging everyone to evacuate safely quickly circulated on social media.
Seismic Data and Infrastructure Resilience
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and Mexico’s National Seismological Service provided the following technical insights:
| Feature | Data |
| Magnitude | 6.5 $M_w$ |
| Depth | 35 km (21.7 miles) |
| Aftershocks | Over 2,100 recorded within 48 hours. |
| Max Intensity | MMI VI (Strong) |
Despite the intensity, Mexico’s modernized infrastructure largely held firm. Power outages affected several neighborhoods in Mexico City, but electricity was restored to 98% of users by Friday evening. Both Mexico City International Airport and Acapulco International Airport reported minor cosmetic damage but remained fully operational.
Geological Context: The “Pressure Cooker”
Mexico remains one of the most seismically active nations on Earth, situated at the confluence of five tectonic plates. The Guerrero Gap, located along the Pacific coast, is of particular concern to seismologists due to its history of producing large quakes. Experts noted that while this 6.5 event was significant, the relatively deep focus (35 km) likely spared the region from the level of devastation seen in the catastrophic 1985 or 2017 events.
