Tremble in Mexico: earthquake in Cihuatlán

Today, a 4.0 magnitude earthquake with a depth of 22 kilometers occurred in Chihuahua at 6:16 local time (12:16 UTC), according to the National Seismological Service.

According to preliminary data, the epicenter of the earthquake was located 22 km south-west of the city, in the state of Jalisco.

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

In the face of significant seismic activity, the National Center for Prevention of Natural Disasters (CENAPRED) recommends not falling into rumors or false news and only inform yourself to official sources such as civil protection authorities, both local and and state, as well as federal.

After an earthquake, check your home for possible damage, use your phone only in an emergency, do not wear matches or candles until you are sure there is no gas leak, and remember that an earthquake can be an aftershock, so it is important to be on the lookout.

Before an earthquake, you can also take the following steps: prepare a civil protection plan, take part in evacuation exercises, find safety zones at home, school or work place and prepare your 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 car, park and hold away from buildings, trees and poles; and if you are on the coast, stay away from the beach and take shelter in the hills.

earthquakes in Mexico

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

The strongest earthquake recorded in the history of modern Mexico occurred on March 28, 1787, during the Spanish colony. Its epicenter was located in Oaxaca and had a magnitude of 8.6. This not only caused an incredible vibration of the earth, but also caused a tsunami that reached 6 kilometers inland.

According to the data of the Center for Instrumentation and Seismic Registration (Cires), conducted in 2009 in connection with the mentioned earthquake, there is a possibility of a recurrence of events above this magnitude. It is expected that they may occur in the coming years. Its epicenter is calculated on the coast of Mexico and Central America, since they 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 large disruptions. In 1985 and 2017, Mexicans were surprised to see the capital plunged into chaos due to two earthquakes of lower intensity than in 1787.

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

The 2017 event took place between Puebla and Morelos at 13:14 local time (18:30 UTC). The number of human victims has reached 369 deaths.

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