Key Points
- 6.5 magnitude quake struck near San Marcos, Guerrero state, at 10:32 AM local time
- Epicenter 57 miles northeast of Acapulco, depth of 35 kilometers
- Mexico City’s early warning system gave 32 seconds advance notice
- No deaths reported, but 23 buildings sustained minor cracks and damage
- President Sheinbaum’s New Year press conference interrupted by seismic alarms
- 4.2 magnitude aftershock hit 47 minutes after main quake
- Tourist areas in Acapulco temporarily evacuated, hotels report minor structural damage
Mexico was shaken by a powerful earthquake on Friday morning that sent millions of people fleeing into the streets from the capital to the Pacific coast. The magnitude 6.5 tremor struck the southern and central parts of the country at 10:32 AM local time, causing panic in several cities and triggering Mexico City’s sophisticated early warning system. The tremors were so strong that people evacuated homes, offices, and hotels from Mexico City to the major Pacific coast tourist resort of Acapulco, with many describing the shaking as the most intense they have felt in years.
According to Mexico’s National Seismological Service, the epicenter of the earthquake was near the city of San Marcos in the southern state of Guerrero. This area is quite close to the resort city of Acapulco on the Pacific coast, a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists. The agency initially recorded the magnitude as 6.5, though they continue to monitor the situation for potential aftershocks that could affect the region.
🇲🇽 JUST IN: The control tower at Acapulco Airport, Mexico, after the magnitude 6.5 earthquake https://t.co/bZsd5fjO54 pic.twitter.com/vXydovexJG
— Md.Sakib Ali (@iamsakibali1) January 2, 2026
Meanwhile, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake had a depth of approximately 21.7 miles (about 35 kilometers). Its epicenter was located about 2.5 miles north-northwest of the Rancho Viejo area in Guerrero. This region is mountainous and is located approximately 57 miles northeast of Acapulco, putting it near critical infrastructure and populated areas that are vulnerable to seismic activity.
People rushed into the streets as soon as the tremors were felt. Locals and tourists in Mexico City and Acapulco evacuated buildings in an orderly fashion, following established emergency protocols. Buildings were evacuated in many places, and emergency services were put on high alert across both states. People also shared videos and their experiences during the earthquake on social media, with footage showing swaying buildings, falling debris, and crowds gathered in designated safe zones. In Acapulco’s hotel zone, tourists gathered in beach areas away from structures, while in Mexico City, residents assembled in parks and open plazas.
No major casualties have been reported, according to the latest updates from civil protection authorities. President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed in a subsequent statement that she spoke with Guerrero Governor Evelyn Salgado by phone immediately after the event. The governor assured her that no serious damage or loss of life had been confirmed so far, though assessment teams continue to survey remote mountain communities near the epicenter. As of 6 PM local time, 23 buildings in Mexico City and Guerrero state have been identified with minor structural damage, including cracks in walls and fallen facades.
The impact of the earthquake became even more prominent when seismic alarms suddenly went off during President Claudia Sheinbaum’s first press briefing of the new year at the National Palace. The press conference had to be interrupted, and security personnel became alert upon hearing the alarms. Television footage showed the president calmly evacuating with her staff as the alarm sounded. Within minutes, the situation returned to normal, and the president resumed the press briefing, using the moment to praise Mexico’s early warning system that provided approximately 32 seconds of advance notice to Mexico City residents.
It’s worth noting that Mexico is located in a seismically active region and experiences frequent earthquakes due to its position along the Pacific Ring of Fire. The government and disaster management agencies are continuously monitoring the situation and are prepared to provide relief and rescue efforts if needed. The National Civil Protection System has activated Level 2 emergency protocols in Guerrero and Mexico City, with 1,200 emergency personnel on standby. A 4.2 magnitude aftershock struck at 11:19 AM, causing additional concern but no new damage reports. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center initially issued a precautionary advisory but lifted it within 90 minutes after determining no significant tsunami threat existed.
