An earthquake with epicenter is recorded in Coalcomán, Michoacán

The inhabitants of the city of Coalcomán experienced an earthquake that reached a magnitude of 4.2 and had a depth of 5 kilometers.

Preliminary information indicates that the earthquake occurred today at 20:17 local time (2:17 UTC), with an epicenter of 81 km southwest of the city in the state of Michoacán.

Due to the recent events, material damage and the number of victims of the telluric movement in the state of Michoacán remain unquantified.

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 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, organize evacuation drills, identify 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 car, park and stay away from buildings, trees and poles; and if you are located on the coast, stay away from the beach and take refuge in high areas.

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.

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.

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 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