6.5 Magnitude Earthquake Rattles Guerrero and Mexico City

Elizabeth Chabanov '28

On January 2, 2026, a 6.5 magnitude earthquake hit Guerrero and Mexico City. This disaster, which resulted in severe structural damage to buildings and highways, was caused by the subduction of the Cocos tectonic plate underneath the North American plate.

At least two people died, while 24 other individuals were severely injured. Additionally, extreme damage was reported within 23 municipalities in Guerrero, as over 5,380 houses were affected, including 1,647 that were completely destroyed. Landslides occurred on major highways near Acapulco and there were many power outages in Mexico City. The region experienced a lot of seismic activity following this event, with over 4,600 aftershocks, resulting in continuous damage.

Notably, the earthquake interrupted President Claudia Sheinabaum’s first live press briefing of 2026. As the Mexican Seismic Alert System (SASMEX) sirens blared, Sheinabaum calmly led an evacuation. Civil protection protocols were activated, and assessment teams and aerial flyovers were rapidly deployed. With Guerrero being one of Mexico’s most active seismic zones, it was relieving to see that the city had effective pre-coordinated protocols in place.

Nonetheless, residents within the San Marcos area described a “horrifying” up and down movement. And, it was so early in the morning that one survivor recalled not having time to wake up before the shaking began.

Jose Raymundo Diaz Taboade, a doctor living on a peak that overlooks Acapulco, reported hearing a very strong rumble noise and the barking of neighborhood dogs before his phone’s seismic alert rang. He noted that the shaking was strong but less intense than previous earthquakes in the quake-prone area.

Significant damage was done to the Lamos de Chapultepac aqueduct and the Papagayo II system, leaving over 400,000 people in Acapulco without water. At the same time, power outages lasted several hours, and landslides caused severe road blockages. Authorities, utility crews, and civil defense teams worked tirelessly to recover infrastructure.

This earthquake serves as a very powerful testament to Mexico’s resilience and its progress in disaster management. Even though the event caused significant loss, the overarching narrative is a tale of collective strength.