Tremble in Mexico: earthquake in San Marcos, Guerrero

The National Symological Service (SSN) reported a magnitude 4.1 earthquake near San Marcos that occurred at 1:28 local time (7:28 UTC).

Preliminary information indicates that the earthquake had an epicenter 83 km southeast of the city, Guerrero state, with a depth of 7 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 Guerrero.

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 cell phone only in emergency, do not light 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 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 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

It should be mentioned that Mexico is at constant risk of to experience an earthquake of great magnitude, such as those that happened in September 1985 and 2017. Such movements caused misfortunes and, despite being the most remembered, have not been the largest in the country.

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.

In 2009, the Centre for Instrumentation and Seismic Recording (Cires) carried out a study to further investigate the events of 1787. It was then suggested that an event with a strength greater than 8.6 degrees may occur soon. It is believed that the epicenter will be located in the region between the Mexican and Central American coasts. It should be noted that the area, known as the Guerrero Breach, has a geological background that supports this hypothesis.

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, 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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EARTHQUAKES