Background and Context
On January 2, 2026, a magnitude 6.5 earthquake struck Guerrero, Mexico, with its epicenter near the municipality of San Marcos in the Costa Chica region. The earthquake caused significant damage, resulting in tragic consequences for a local resident.
The Victim and Incident
A 50-year-old woman lost her life when her home collapsed following the earthquake in the community of Las Minas, situated on the border between Acapulco and San Marcos. The house, built with adobe and tin, ultimately gave way despite her 90-year-old relative, who was present during the incident, escaping unharmed.
Government Response and Further Impacts
Guerrero’s Governor, Evelyn Salgado Pineda, confirmed the unfortunate news during a supervision tour to assess damages in the affected area. She emphasized that state authorities would support the victim’s family and continue conducting inspections in municipalities reporting damages.
The earthquake occurred at 7:58 AM local time, with its epicenter approximately 15 kilometers from San Marcos. By 9:00 AM, 151 aftershocks had been recorded according to the National Seismological Service.
The earthquake’s effects were also felt in Mexico City, where another fatality was reported during evacuation efforts. A 60-year-old man died after falling from his apartment during the evacuation, losing consciousness upon impact and later being pronounced dead by emergency services.
In Mexico City, 12 individuals sustained injuries due to the earthquake. Meanwhile, Guerrero’s state authorities continued damage assessments and documentation while Governor Salgado Pineda pledged ongoing institutional support in affected areas and assistance to the deceased woman’s family.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who was the victim? A 50-year-old woman from Las Minas, a community on the border of Acapulco and San Marcos in Guerrero.
- What caused her death? Her home, constructed with adobe and tin, collapsed following the earthquake.
- Who is providing support to the family? Guerrero’s Governor, Evelyn Salgado Pineda, has committed to supporting the family and ensuring continued inspections in affected municipalities.
- What other impacts did the earthquake have? The earthquake resulted in one additional fatality in Mexico City during evacuation efforts and left 12 people injured. Guerrero reported one fatality and no injuries from the earthquake itself.
