6.5-Magnitude Earthquake Shakes Mexico, Leaves Dead, Injured, and Thousands in Fear

Powerful Quake Strikes Guerrero Near Acapulco, Felt Strongly in Mexico City.

A powerful 6.5-magnitude earthquake struck southern and central Mexico on the morning of Friday, January 2, 2026, triggering widespread panic, structural damage, and leaving at least two people dead in one of the strongest seismic events the country has faced in recent months. The quake hit at 7:58 a.m. local time, with its epicenter near San Marcos in Guerrero, about 57 miles northeast of Acapulco, and was felt across large parts of the country, including Mexico City.

Buildings swayed violently as seismic alarms sounded, sending residents rushing into the streets in fear. Near the epicenter in Guerrero, the destruction was severe. A 50-year-old woman was killed when her home collapsed in a rural community, highlighting the vulnerability of housing in high-risk seismic zones. In Mexico City, a 67-year-old man died after falling while trying to evacuate his apartment during the shaking.

Authorities confirmed at least 17 injuries across affected regions. Mexico’s National Seismological Service recorded more than 1,071 aftershocks by Saturday morning, the strongest measuring 4.7, forcing many residents to remain outdoors for hours amid fears of further collapses.

Infrastructure damage was reported across Guerrero. In San Marcos, around 50 homes were destroyed and over 500 damaged. A hospital in Chilpancingo suffered structural cracks, prompting a partial evacuation of patients. Landslides disrupted highways near Acapulco and mountainous areas, though major routes were later cleared.

In urban areas, minor damage was reported at Acapulco and Mexico City international airports, but flights continued. Power outages affected parts of Guerrero and the capital, with most services restored within hours.

The quake also interrupted President Claudia Sheinbaum’s first press briefing of the year at the National Palace, forcing an evacuation as alarms sounded. She later resumed the briefing, announcing the activation of federal emergency protocols and damage assessments.

As aftershocks continued, fear and uncertainty gripped residents and tourists alike. Many in Acapulco and Mexico City stayed outdoors as a precaution. While early warning systems helped limit casualties, the earthquake once again underscored Mexico’s high seismic risk and the urgent need for stronger infrastructure and disaster preparedness.