Tremble in Mexico: magnitude 4.0 earthquake in Ometepec, Guerrero

The inhabitants of the city of Ometepec experienced an earthquake that reached a magnitude of 4.0 and had a depth of 16 kilometers.

Preliminary information indicates that the earthquake occurred today at 5:44 local time (11:44 UTC), with an epicenter of 94 km southwest of the city in the state of Guerrero.

There is still no news of the victims and material damage caused by this 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 home for possible damage, use your 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, identify 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 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

Mexico is in an area of high activity geological, which exposes it to the constant risk of earthquakes. 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.

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.

However, seismic events of lower magnitudes can also cause great destruction. During 1985 and 2017, Mexicans watched with astonishment as the country's capital plunged into chaos due to two earthquakes of less intensity than in 1787.

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.

In 2017, it happened at 13:14 local time (18:30 UTC), with epicenter in an area between the states of Puebla and Morelos. Then, the death toll reached 369.

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EARTHQUAKES