Mexico’s 6.5-magnitude earthquake: Moment Claudia Sheinbaum halted her press conference

Mexico was jolted by a powerful 6.5-magnitude earthquake early Friday, a tremor strong enough to interrupt President Claudia Sheinbaum’s first press conference of the new year and trigger the country’s nationwide seismic alert system. The dramatic moment unfolded live as alarms echoed through the room, forcing the president to pause her address while the ground shook beneath the capital and large parts of southern Mexico.

The earthquake struck in the early hours of the day, with its epicenter located near San Marcos, a town in the southern state of Guerrero, close to the Pacific coast and the popular resort city of Acapulco. According to Mexico’s national seismological agency, the quake was shallow enough to be widely felt across multiple regions, including Mexico City, hundreds of kilometers away.

A Calm Response Amid the Shaking

Despite the sudden disruption, President Sheinbaum remained composed. As the alert system sounded — a reminder of Mexico’s long history with seismic disasters — she calmly suspended the briefing and waited for the tremors to subside. The alert system, implemented after the catastrophic 1985 earthquake that killed thousands, prompted residents and visitors in affected areas to evacuate buildings and move into open spaces.

🔴#LATEST — Mexican President Sheinbaum abruptly pauses her press conference as 6.5-magnitude earthquake shakes Mexico City pic.twitter.com/0YRqLo8XPi

— Türkiye Today (@turkiyetodaycom) January 2, 2026

Minutes later, Sheinbaum resumed the press conference and reassured the nation that she had already spoken with Guerrero State Governor Evelyn Salgado. According to the governor’s preliminary assessment, no fatalities or major structural damage had been reported at that time.

Impact Across Guerrero and Beyond

While the quake did not result in widespread destruction, its impact was still felt across southern and central Mexico. Guerrero’s civil defense authorities reported several landslides around Acapulco and along key highways in the state, raising concerns about road safety and access to remote communities.

In both Acapulco and Mexico City, residents and tourists rushed into the streets as buildings swayed and alarms blared. Many described a loud rumbling sound that preceded the shaking, a common experience during moderate-to-strong earthquakes in the region.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) provided further details, noting that the earthquake occurred at a depth of approximately 35 kilometers (21.7 miles), about 2.5 miles north-northwest of Rancho Viejo, a mountainous area roughly 57 miles northeast of Acapulco. The depth and location helped explain why the quake was felt across such a wide area.

Eyewitness Accounts Paint a Vivid Picture

José Raymundo Díaz Taboada, a doctor and human rights advocate living in the hills surrounding Acapulco, described hearing a deep rumble moments before the shaking intensified. According to him, neighborhood dogs began barking simultaneously, an occurrence many residents associate with incoming tremors.

As the seismic alert sounded on his phone, Díaz Taboada said the shaking grew stronger and noisier, though still less intense than some of the devastating earthquakes he had experienced in the past. Like many residents in earthquake-prone regions, he had already prepared an emergency backpack containing essential items in case evacuations became necessary.

However, the aftermath was not without challenges. Díaz Taboada reported difficulty contacting friends living along the Costa Chica region southeast of Acapulco, as communication networks were temporarily disrupted.

A Familiar Reality for Mexico

Earthquakes are an ever-present risk in Mexico due to its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire, where several tectonic plates converge. While Friday’s quake did not result in major casualties, it served as a reminder of the country’s vulnerability — and the importance of preparedness.

For many Mexicans, the sounding of the seismic alert still evokes memories of past tragedies. Yet, the system also represents progress, providing crucial seconds of warning that can save lives.

#BREAKING #MEXICO
Another footage

🔴 MEXICO :📹 MOMENT A POWERFUL EARTHQUAKE MAGNITUDE 6.5 STRUCK NEAR RANCHO VIEJO

Depth :35 km
-USGS

📹 Images : ANGEL OF INDEPENDENCE statue, México City#Ultimahora #Earthquake #Sismo #Terremoto #Temblor pic.twitter.com/LiktsCyIAO

— LW World News (@LW_WorldNews) January 2, 2026

As authorities continue to assess the situation and monitor for aftershocks, the general mood remains cautiously optimistic. With no serious injuries reported and damage appearing limited, Mexico once again demonstrated resilience in the face of natural forces — from ordinary citizens to the president herself.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What was the magnitude of the earthquake in Mexico?
The earthquake had a preliminary magnitude of 6.5.

Where was the epicenter located?
The epicenter was near San Marcos in Guerrero state, close to Acapulco.

Did the earthquake cause casualties?
As of initial reports, no injuries or fatalities were confirmed.

Why did seismic alarms sound across Mexico City?
Mexico’s Seismic Alert System automatically activates when significant tremors are detected, even if the epicenter is far away.

Did President Claudia Sheinbaum resume her press conference?
Yes, she resumed the briefing shortly after the shaking stopped.