An earthquake is recorded in Huixtla, Chiapas

The inhabitants of the city of Huixtla experienced an earthquake that reached a magnitude of 4.4 and reached a depth of 111 kilometers.

According to preliminary information, the earthquake occurred today at 15:01 local time (21:01 UTC), with an epicenter of 16 km southeast of the city in the state of Chiapas.

The extent of the affectation in terms of material damage and human casualties is still unknown, given the novelty of the telluric movement in the state of Chiapas.

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 a tremor, check your home for possible damage, use your 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 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

This is not the first time that Mexico has suffered this type of attack of nature. Its geographical position places it at constant risk of experiencing these events. Thus, in 1985 and 2017, there were seismic movements that caused enormous destruction in the nation. Although these two are the most recognized today, they are not the largest in the territory.

On March 28, 1787, a colonial Oaxaca was shaken by what has been the strongest earthquake recorded in Mexico so far. With a magnitude of 8.6, it was followed by a tsunami that went 6 kilometers beyond the coast.

According to the data of the Centre for Instrumentation and Seismic Recording (Cires), carried out in 2009 on the earthquake cited, there is the possibility of a repetition of events above this magnitude. It is estimated that they may occur in the years to come. Its epicenter is calculated on the coasts of Mexico and Central America, since these are located in the so-called Guerrero Breach. This area is characterized by the accumulation of a large amount of geological 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.

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