A powerful earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.5 struck southern Mexico on Friday morning, sending tremors across multiple states and briefly interrupting a live press conference held by Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. While no serious damage or casualties were immediately reported, the quake prompted evacuations, activated seismic alarms, and renewed public concern in a country long accustomed to seismic activity.
The earthquake occurred shortly after 10 a.m. local time and was felt strongly in southern and central parts of the country, including the capital. Emergency officials said assessments were ongoing as authorities worked to confirm the full impact.
People gather outside buildings in Mexico City after seismic alarms sounded
Epicenter Near Guerrero’s Pacific Coast
Mexico’s national seismological agency reported that the earthquake’s epicenter was near the town of San Marcos in the southern state of Guerrero, a mountainous region not far from the Pacific coastline. The area lies northeast of Acapulco, one of Mexico’s best-known resort destinations.
The U.S. Geological Survey said the quake struck at a depth of approximately 21.7 miles, locating the epicenter about 2.5 miles north-northwest of Rancho Viejo, Guerrero. Seismologists noted that earthquakes at this depth can be felt over a wide area, even if surface damage is limited.
Residents in Guerrero reported strong shaking lasting several seconds, while people in neighboring states described swaying buildings and rattling windows.
Alarms Interrupt Presidential Address
President Sheinbaum was delivering her first morning news conference of the new year when Mexico’s seismic alert system activated. Video from the briefing showed alarms sounding as journalists and officials calmly stood and followed evacuation protocols.
Sheinbaum was seen leaving the room alongside reporters, displaying little visible alarm as staff guided those present to safety. The evacuation unfolded in an orderly manner, reflecting the country’s extensive earthquake preparedness measures.
After a short pause, Sheinbaum returned to resume the briefing, offering an update based on preliminary information from emergency officials.
President Claudia Sheinbaum evacuates calmly as earthquake alarms sound during a press conference
Early Reports Show No Major Damage
Addressing the nation shortly after the quake, Sheinbaum said she had spoken with Guerrero Governor Evelyn Salgado, who reported that no serious damage had been identified in the state so far.
She also confirmed that officials in Mexico City had not reported significant damage or injuries. The capital, home to more than 20 million people in its metropolitan area, is particularly sensitive to earthquakes due to its location atop an ancient lakebed, which can amplify seismic waves.
Authorities cautioned that damage assessments were still ongoing, particularly in rural and mountainous areas closer to the epicenter where communications can be slower.
Residents Rush to Streets
As the shaking began, residents and tourists in Mexico City and Acapulco quickly evacuated buildings, following long-standing safety guidance to move away from structures during seismic events.
In Mexico City, office workers and hotel guests gathered in streets and open spaces as alarms echoed through neighborhoods. Some residents described the quake as brief but forceful, while others said they felt a rolling motion.
In Acapulco, where tourism has been slowly recovering after recent natural disasters, visitors and locals alike reported feeling the tremor, though no immediate disruptions to airport or port operations were announced.
A Seismically Active Region
Mexico sits atop several tectonic plate boundaries, making earthquakes a frequent occurrence. The Guerrero region lies along the boundary where the Cocos Plate subducts beneath the North American Plate, one of the most seismically active zones in the country.
This same region has been the source of devastating earthquakes in the past, including a magnitude 7.0 quake in 2021 and the catastrophic 1985 and 2017 earthquakes that caused widespread destruction and loss of life in Mexico City.
Seismologists have long warned that Guerrero is capable of producing even larger earthquakes, sometimes referred to as the “Guerrero Gap,” an area where stress has been building for decades.
Residents stand outside buildings in Acapulco following the earthquake
Emergency Systems Put to the Test
Friday’s quake served as another test of Mexico’s earthquake early warning system, known as SASMEX. The system is designed to detect seismic waves near the epicenter and issue alerts seconds before stronger shaking reaches major cities.
In Mexico City, the alarm provided residents with a brief but critical window to evacuate buildings. Emergency officials said the system functioned as expected, though some residents reported receiving only a short warning.
Civil protection agencies at the federal and state levels activated emergency protocols, including inspections of hospitals, schools, bridges, and major infrastructure.
Officials Urge Caution Amid Aftershock Risk
Authorities warned that aftershocks were possible in the hours and days following the initial quake. Residents in affected regions were urged to remain alert, avoid damaged structures, and follow instructions from local emergency services.
Sheinbaum emphasized the importance of staying calm and informed, urging citizens to rely on official channels for updates rather than rumors circulating on social media.
“Mexico is prepared for events like this,” she said, adding that the government would provide further information as inspections continued.
Tourism and Economic Concerns
The quake comes at a sensitive time for southern Mexico, particularly in Guerrero, where communities are still rebuilding from previous storms and economic disruptions. Acapulco, once a crown jewel of Mexican tourism, has faced repeated challenges from hurricanes, violence, and infrastructure damage in recent years.
Local business owners expressed cautious relief that early reports did not indicate major structural damage, though many said they would wait for official inspections before reopening fully.
Tourism officials said flights and hotel operations appeared to be functioning normally, but stressed that safety assessments were ongoing.
Public Reaction and Preparedness
On social media, many Mexicans praised the calm response of the president and the orderly evacuations, while others shared videos of swaying lamps, shaking furniture, and people gathering outdoors.
Emergency preparedness drills are common in Mexico, particularly in schools and government buildings, and analysts say those routines have helped reduce panic during real events.
Still, earthquakes remain a source of deep collective anxiety in a country where past disasters have left lasting scars.
Monitoring Continues
As of midday Friday, no deaths or serious injuries had been reported in connection with the earthquake. The National Guard and local emergency teams remained on standby in Guerrero and surrounding states, ready to respond if new information emerged.
Seismologists continued monitoring the region for aftershocks, while engineers assessed critical infrastructure such as highways, dams, and power lines.
Officials said more detailed reports would be released as inspections progressed, particularly in remote communities near the epicenter.
For now, the magnitude 6.5 earthquake stands as a reminder of Mexico’s vulnerability to seismic forces — and of the importance of preparedness in a country where the ground can shift without warning.
Emily Johnson is a critically acclaimed essayist and novelist known for her thought-provoking works centered on feminism, women’s rights, and modern relationships. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Emily grew up with a deep love of books, often spending her afternoons at her local library. She went on to study literature and gender studies at UCLA, where she became deeply involved in activism and began publishing essays in campus journals. Her debut essay collection, Voices Unbound, struck a chord with readers nationwide for its fearless exploration of gender dynamics, identity, and the challenges faced by women in contemporary society. Emily later transitioned into fiction, writing novels that balance compelling storytelling with social commentary. Her protagonists are often strong, multidimensional women navigating love, ambition, and the struggles of everyday life, making her a favorite among readers who crave authentic, relatable narratives. Critics praise her ability to merge personal intimacy with universal themes. Off the page, Emily is an advocate for women in publishing, leading workshops that encourage young female writers to embrace their voices. She lives in Seattle with her partner and two rescue cats, where she continues to write, teach, and inspire a new generation of storytellers.
