Arriaga registers tremor of magnitude 4.0

The Center for Instrumentation and Seismic Recording of Mexico (Cires) reported a magnitude 4.0 earthquake near Arriaga that occurred at 12:23 local time (18:23 UTC).

Preliminary information indicates that the earthquake had an epicenter 39 km southwest of the city, state of Chiapas, with a depth of 94 km and was perceived by the residents of the town.

The extent of the affectation in terms of material damage and human casualties is still unknown, due to the novelty of the telluric movement in the state of Chiapas.

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

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

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

During an earthquake stay calm and stay in a safe zone, stay away from objects that may fall; if you are in a car, 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

This is not the first time that Mexico has suffered this type of attack from nature. Its geographical position places it at constant risk of experiencing these events. Thus, in 1985 and 2017, there were seismic movements that caused enormous destruction in the nation. Although these two are the most recognized today, they are not the largest in the territory.

On March 28, 1787, the strongest earthquake recorded in the country struck. Oaxaca, then the central point of the Spanish colony, was the victim of an 8.6 movement. That event was so impetuous that it was followed by 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, such a great magnitude is not necessary to wreak chaos. Mexicans keep memories of minor earthquakes, which occurred in 1985 and 2017. On such occasions, the entire capital and states were paralyzed by the unparalleled consequences of such telluric movements.

On September 19, 1985, an earthquake of magnitude 8.2 occurred, with an epicenter in the state of Guerrero. It was 07:19 local time (13:19 UTC). At that time, it was thought that there would be no more earthquakes of such dimensions, but a related event occurred 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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