Trembling in Mexico: earthquake of magnitude 4.0

The inhabitants of the city of Puerto Peñasco experienced an earthquake that reached a magnitude of 4.0 and was 10 kilometers deep.

According to preliminary information, the earthquake occurred today at 2:22 local time (8:22 UTC), with an epicenter 70 km southwest of the city in the state of Sonora.

There is still no news of the victims and material damage caused by this telluric movement in the state of Sonora.

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 cell phone only in case of 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 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.

Earthquakes in Mexico

It is worth noting 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.

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 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