6.5-magnitude earthquake hits Mexico City

January 02, 2026 / 6:52 PM

People gather outside a hospital in Mexico City following its evacuation during a quake affecting the city and Guerrero state

Sharjah 24 – AFP: A 6.5-magnitude earthquake struck Mexico City and parts of southwestern Guerrero state on Friday, the National Seismological Service confirmed.

Evacuations at presidential palace

President Claudia Sheinbaum and journalists were evacuated from the presidential palace during her morning press conference when the earthquake alert sounded. They returned minutes later.

Epicenter and preliminary damage

Sheinbaum reported the earthquake’s epicenter was 15 kilometers (9 miles) from San Marcos in Guerrero, about 230 kilometers from Mexico City. Preliminary reports indicated no serious damage in either location.

Timing and geological context

The US Geological Survey stated the quake occurred at 13:58 GMT (7:58 am local time). Mexico City, built on former lakebed mud, is particularly vulnerable to earthquakes, especially those originating off Guerrero state on the Pacific coast.

Historical perspective

Mexico City experienced a devastating 8.1-magnitude quake on September 19, 1985, which killed nearly 13,000 people according to official figures.