A magnitude 4.0 earthquake is recorded in Miahuatlán

A magnitude 4.0 earthquake was recorded in the vicinity of Miahuatlan at 6:19 local time (12:19 UTC) today, reported the Mexico Earthquake Instrumentation and Record Center (Cires).

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

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 cell phone only in emergency, do not wear matches or candles until you make sure there is no gas leak and remember that aftershocks of the earthquake may occur, so it is 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 zone, 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.

Telluric movements in Mexico

Mexico is in an area of high geological activity, which exposes it to the constant risk of earthquakes. Proof of this were the earthquakes of 1985 and 2017, which caused great damage, however, they have not been the largest in the history of the country, despite being one of the most present in the memory of both nationals and foreigners.

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.

Earthquakes like this day bring to the memory of Mexicans the worst memories of the earthquakes of 1985 and 2017, when all of Mexico City and other states were paralyzed by the shocking consequences that each one left.

On September 19, 1985 occurred at 7:19 local time (13:19 UTC) with a magnitude of 8.2 and with an epicenter in the state of Guerrero. Since that earthquake many thought that something like this would not happen again. But it happened again exactly 32 years later.

The year 2017 was recorded at 13.14 local hours (18:30 UTC) with an epicenter in the borders of the states of Puebla and Morelos and left a total of 369 deaths in the center of the country.

CONTINUE READING:

EARTHQUAKES