Tremble in Mexico: earthquake with epicenter in Sayula de Alemán, Veracruz

Information from the National Seismological indicates that an average of 40 earthquakes are recorded in the country every day

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Sayula de Alemán was the epicenter of a 4.1 magnitude earthquake that surprised the inhabitants of the state of Veracruz today at 14:27 local time (20:27 UTC).

The earthquake happened 45 km southeast of the city and had a depth of 139 kilometers, according to preliminary information.

The impact on human victims and material damage caused by this telluric movement in the state of Veracruz remains unestablished, given the recent events.

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 case of emergency, don't 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's 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 on the coast, stay away from the beach and take refuge in high areas.

Infografía
(Illustration: Jovani Perez/Infobae)

Earthquakes in Mexico

Mexico is located in an area of high geological activity , which exposes you to the constant risk of tremors. 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.

During the colonial era, the strongest earthquake in the history of what is now Mexico occurred. It happened on March 28, 1787, its epicenter was in Oaxaca, it had a magnitude of 8.6. The movement was so violent that it caused not only the earth to shake, but also caused a tsunami that reached 6 kilometers inland.

Far from considering it an isolated event, the Centre for Instrumentation and Seismic Recording (Cires) considers the possibility that the country will face a similar situation in the near future. In the studies carried out in 2009 to analyze the aforementioned event, it was concluded that earthquakes of a similar magnitude may develop in the area between the coasts of Mexico and Central America. There, in the so-called Guerrero Breach, there is great geological potential to provoke catastrophes of such proportions.

But even smaller earthquakes can cause great damage. An example of this were the seismic events of 1985 and 2017. On those occasions, the lives of the inhabitants of Mexico City were disrupted, while both the Government and private citizens rebuilt buildings and infrastructure.

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.

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