Tremble in Mexico: earthquake with epicenter in Tenosique, Tabasco

The inhabitants of the city of Tenosique experienced an earthquake that reached magnitude 4.6 and had a depth of 23 kilometers.

According to preliminary information, the earthquake occurred today at 22:08 local time (4:08 UTC), with an epicenter of 155 km southeast of the city in the state of Tabasco.

Given the recent events, the impact on human victims and material damage in the state of Tabasco due to this telluric movement remains unestablished.

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 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 stay 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 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 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 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.

During the colonial era, the strongest earthquake in the history of what is now Mexico occurred. It happened on March 28, 1787, its epicenter was in Oaxaca, it had a magnitude of 8.6. The movement was so violent that it caused not only the earth to shake, but also caused a tsunami that reached 6 kilometers inland.

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.

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.

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 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