Mexico was shaken by a powerful earthquake on Friday morning, leading to the deaths of two people and injuring several others, though authorities have reported no major structural damage. The tremor occurred during the country’s first presidential press briefing of the New Year, sending shockwaves of fear through both the public and government officials.
President Claudia Sheinbaum had been responding to journalists’ questions when the earthquake alert alarm suddenly sounded, prompting immediate evacuation measures. Citizens in Mexico City, Acapulco, and surrounding areas rushed out of their homes and hotels, seeking open spaces to avoid potential building collapses.
The earthquake struck at 7:58 a.m. local time on 2 January 2026, creating temporary disruption in administrative operations across affected regions. Despite the initial panic, emergency services reported that essential infrastructure largely remained intact.
According to Mexico’s National Seismological Service, the epicentre of the earthquake was near the city of San Marcos in the southern state of Guerrero. This area lies close to the popular Pacific coastal tourist destination of Acapulco. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the tremor occurred approximately 35 kilometres beneath the Earth’s surface, in the hilly region northwest of Rancho Viejo, Guerrero.
Immediately following the quake, President Sheinbaum resumed her press briefing and stated that she had spoken with Guerrero’s Governor, Evelyn Salgado. The president conveyed that, based on the governor’s reports, no major damage or widespread casualties had been recorded, though authorities continued to monitor the situation closely.
Local residents and tourists described the quake as “strong and unsettling,” noting that the ground shook for several seconds. Emergency drills were quickly initiated in affected schools, hospitals, and government buildings as precautionary measures.
Earthquake Summary
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Date & Time | 2 January 2026, 07:58 local time |
| Magnitude | Not officially disclosed |
| Depth | ~35 km |
| Epicentre | Near San Marcos, Guerrero, Mexico |
| Nearby Major City | Acapulco |
| Casualties | 2 dead, several injured |
| Reported Structural Damage | Minimal / None reported |
| Authorities Response | Evacuations, monitoring by government |
Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant for aftershocks and to follow safety protocols. While Mexico is accustomed to seismic activity due to its location along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” officials continue to stress the importance of preparedness, particularly in coastal and mountainous regions.