Powerful Mexico Quake Shakes Guerrero and Mexico City, Triggers Evacuations
Powerful Quake Rocks Southern Mexico
A 6.5-magnitude earthquake struck near San Marcos in Guerrero state on January 2, 2026, sending shockwaves over 180 miles to Mexico City, where the iconic Angel of Independence monument swayed dramatically.[1][3] The early morning tremor, at a shallow depth of 22 miles, triggered seismic alarms just before 8 a.m., prompting mass evacuations as residents fled in pajamas, clutching pets amid swaying buildings and falling debris.[1][2]
Damage and Disruptions Across Regions
Roads suffered landslides blocking highways to Acapulco, hospitals in Guerrero sustained damage requiring assessments, and minor cracks appeared in Mexico City structures, including homes and public buildings.[1][3] Airports in Mexico City and Acapulco reported slight issues but stayed operational, while gas leaks and over 420 aftershocks, peaking at 4.7 magnitude, heightened fears.[1]
Human Toll and Resilient Response
Tragically, two deaths occurred—a woman in Guerrero and a man in Mexico City from evacuation falls—amid injuries and chaos.[1][2] President Claudia Sheinbaum's first 2026 press conference at the National Palace halted briefly as the ground shook; she evacuated calmly with journalists before resuming.[1] Mexico's seismic preparedness shone through, minimizing widespread catastrophe in this quake-prone nation.[3]
