Tremble in Mexico: earthquake in Cihuatlán

An earthquake occurred in Cihuatlán at 6:16 local time (12:16 UTC) today, with a magnitude of 4.0 and a depth of 22 kilometers, the National Seismological Service reported.

According to preliminary information, the epicenter of the earthquake was located 22 km southwest of the city, in the state of Jalisco.

There is still no news of the victims and material damage caused by this telluric movement in the state of Jalisco.

In the face of significant seismic activity, the National Center for Disaster Prevention (CENAPRED) recommends not to fall into rumors or false news and only to inform yourself in official sources, such as the authorities of Civil Protection, both local and state, as well as federal.

After an earthquake, check your house for possible damage, use your phone only in case of emergency, don't wear matches or candles until you make sure there is no gas leak and remember that there may be aftershocks of the earthquake, so it's important to stay alert.

You can also take the following steps before an earthquake: prepare a civil protection plan, participate in evacuation drills, find safety zones at home, school or workplace, and prepare an emergency backpack.

During an earthquake, stay calm and stay in a safe place, stay away from objects that may fall; if you are in a vehicle, park and stay away from buildings, trees and poles; and if you are on the coast, stay away from the beach and take refuge in high areas.

Earthquakes in Mexico

Mexicans are used to this type of event, as the country is located in an area of high seismicity. It is worth mentioning the great damage caused by the earthquakes of 1985 and 2017, which caused great havoc throughout the Aztec territory. However, there are records of even more destructive movements in the history of this Latin American nation.

The strongest earthquake recorded in the history of what is now Mexico occurred on March 28, 1787, at the time of the Spanish colony. Its epicenter was in Oaxaca and it had a magnitude of 8.6. Not only did this make the earth vibrate incredibly, but it even caused a tsunami that reached 6 kilometers inland.

According to the data of the Centre for Instrumentation and Seismic Recording (Cires), carried out in 2009 on the earthquake cited, there is the possibility of a repetition of events above this magnitude. It is estimated that they may occur in the years to come. Its epicenter is calculated on the coasts of Mexico and Central America, since these are located in the so-called Guerrero Breach. This area is characterized by the accumulation of a large amount of geological energy.

However, seismic events of lower magnitudes can also cause great destruction. During 1985 and 2017, Mexicans watched with astonishment as the country's capital plunged into chaos due to two earthquakes of less intensity than in 1787.

As for 1985, it happened on September 19 of that year at 7:19 local time (13:19 UTC), with epicenter in the state of Guerrero and a magnitude of 8.2. Since then, it was believed that nothing like it would happen again, but, coincidentally, it happened again exactly 32 years later.

The 2017 event took place between the states of Puebla and Morelos at 13:14 local time (18:30 UTC). The toll of human casualties reached 369 deaths.

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