5.2 Earthquake Shakes Central Mexico; Sheinbaum Confirms No Damage
A 5.2 magnitude earthquake shook central Mexico late Thursday, January 16, 2026. The tremor was felt across various locations in Mexico City, triggering alarms on personal devices and public systems.
Earthquake Details
The earthquake struck at 12:42 AM, with its epicenter located 19 kilometers southwest of San Marcos, Guerrero. Initially recorded at a magnitude of 5.2, it was later upgraded to 5.3. The seismic activity occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers, as confirmed by the National Seismological Service.
Public Reaction and Safety Measures
- People evacuated buildings as alarms rang out in neighborhoods including Narvarte Poniente and Escandón.
- In some areas like Colonia Del Valle, alarms sounded but the quake was not felt.
- In Iztapalapa, although the alert was issued, residents did not perceive the tremor.
Government Response
Claudia Sheinbaum, the head of the government, reported through social media that no damage had been observed. She also stated that emergency protocols were activated.
Pablo Vázquez Camacho, Secretary of Security, announced a security protocol, including helicopter flyovers, to assess the situation. The Metro operations adhered to safety measures promptly, and inspections confirmed no infrastructure damage.
Preparedness and Public Advisory
The Secretariat of Integral Risk Management and Civil Protection (SGIRPC) maintained communication with local emergency units to ensure public safety. They reminded residents to keep emergency backpacks ready and to stay informed through official channels.
Alert Timing and Efficiency
The City of Mexico received the seismic alert roughly 59 seconds before the quake, allowing residents to take precautionary actions. Other regions experienced varied alert times, including:
- Chilpancingo: 18 seconds
- Acapulco: 8 seconds
- Oaxaca: 61 seconds
- Puebla: 58 seconds
- Cuernavaca: 48 seconds
- Toluca: 56 seconds
Ultimately, the effective emergency protocols and timely alerts contributed to ensuring public safety, with no significant damages reported following the earthquake. The capital’s residents were reminded to remain vigilant and prepared for future seismic events.
