Tremble in Mexico: magnitude 4.2 earthquake in Cd Ixtepec

The Center for Instrumentation and Seismic Recording of Mexico (Cires) reported an earthquake of magnitude 4.2 near Cd Ixtepec that occurred at 13:16 local time (19:16 UTC).

Preliminary information indicates that the earthquake had an epicenter 12 km west of the city, Oaxaca state, with a depth of 2 km and was perceived by the residents of the town.

Given the recent events, the impact on human victims and material damage in the state of Oaxaca as a result of this telluric movement remains unestablished.

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 house 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 replicas of the earthquake, so it is important to stay alert.

You can also take the following steps before an earthquake: prepare a civil protection plan, organize 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 located 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, because 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 Mexico today had its epicenter in Oaxaca. On March 28, 1787, the earth shook with the force of 8.6. Not only did the land vibrate, but also the sea showed its fury with a tsunami that went up to 6 kilometers beyond the coastline.

According to a study by the Center for Instrumentation and Seismic Record (Cires) carried out in 2009 on the earthquake of March 28, 1787, large earthquakes with magnitudes of 8.6 or greater could occur in the coming years. These will have as their epicenter the coasts of Mexico and Central America, because they are located in the Guerrero Breach that accumulates a large amount of 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.

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.

CONTINUE READING:

EARTHQUAKES