Magnitude 4.0 earthquake with epicenter in Crucecita, Oaxaca

Crucecita was the epicenter of a 4.0 magnitude earthquake that surprised the inhabitants of the state of Oaxaca today at 2:51am local time (8:51 UTC).

The earthquake occurred 52 km southeast of the city and had a depth of 23 kilometers, according to preliminary information.

No details are yet available about material damage or casualties in the state of Oaxaca as a result of this telluric movement, due to the recent episode.

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 home for possible damage, use your phone only in case of 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, 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 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, get 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.

The strongest earthquake recorded in the history of what is now Mexico occurred on March 28, 1787, at the time of the Spanish colony. Its epicenter was in Oaxaca and it had a magnitude of 8.6. Not only did this make the earth vibrate incredibly, but it even caused a tsunami that reached 6 kilometers inland.

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.

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.

As for 1985, it happened on September 19 of that year at 7:19 local time (13:19 UTC), with epicenter in the state of Guerrero and a magnitude of 8.2. Since then, it was believed that nothing like it would happen again, but, coincidentally, it happened again exactly 32 years later.

The year 2017 was recorded at 13.14 local hours (18:30 UTC) with an epicenter in the borders of the states of Puebla and Morelos and left a total of 369 deaths in the center of the country.

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EARTHQUAKES