Santiago registers earthquake of magnitude 4.2

Santiago was the epicenter of a 4.2 magnitude earthquake that surprised the inhabitants of the state of Nuevo León today at 15:16 local time (21:16 UTC).

The earthquake was recorded 14 km northwest of the city and had a depth of 13 kilometers, according to preliminary information.

Due to the recent history of this episode, there are still no reports of any possible material damage, or Huaman casualties, as a result of this telluric movement in the state of Nuevo León.

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

After an earthquake, check your home for possible damage, use your phone only in case of emergency, do not 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 is important to be 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 car, park and stay away from buildings, trees and poles; and if you are located on the coast, get 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 onslaught of 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.

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, 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.

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.

In 2017, it happened at 13:14 local time (18:30 UTC), with epicenter in an area between the states of Puebla and Morelos. Then, the death toll reached 369.

CONTINUE READING:

EARTHQUAKES