Earthquake in Mexico: earthquake of magnitude 4.1

The National Seismological Service (SSN) reported a magnitude 4.1 earthquake near the Rio Grande which occurred at 2:28 a.m. local time (8:28 a.m. UTC).

Preliminary information indicates that the earthquake had an epicenter 20 km southeast of the city, in the state of Oaxaca, with a depth of 9.5 km and was perceived by the inhabitants of the city. .

In the event of significant seismic activity, the The National Center for Disaster Prevention (Cenapred) calls not to fall into the trap of rumors or fake news and to obtain information only from official sourcessuch as civil protection authorities, both local and state, as well as federal.

After an earthquake, search your house possible damage, only use your phone in an emergency, do not light matches or candles until you make sure there are no gas leaks and remember that there may be aftershocks of the earthquakeit is therefore important to remain vigilant.

You can also take the following actions before an earthquake: prepare a civil security plan, participate in evacuation drills, find safety zones home, school or workplace and prepare a emergency backpack.

Mexicans are used to this type of event, because The country is located in a zone of high seismicity. It is worth remembering the great damage caused by the earthquakes of 1985 and 2017, which caused great devastation throughout the Aztec territory. However, there are traces of even more destructive movements in the country’s history.

He On March 28, 1787, the strongest earthquake recorded in the country occurred.. Oaxaca, then the central point of the Spanish colony, fell victim to a movement of 8.6. This event was so impetuous that it was followed by a tsunami that reached 6 kilometers inland.

In 2009, the Center for Instrumentation and Seismic Recording (Cires) carried out a study to investigate the events of 1787. Then it was suggested that an event with a force 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 Guerrero Gap, has geological precedents that support this hypothesis.

However, seismic events of lesser magnitude can also cause great destruction. In 1985 and 2017, Mexicans watched in amazement as the country’s capital plunged into chaos because of two earthquakes of less intensity than that of 1787.

The one on September 19, 1985 occurred at 7:19 a.m. local time (1:19 p.m. UTC) with a magnitude of 8.2 and with epicenter in the state of Guerrero. Since this earthquake, many thought that such a thing would not happen again. But it happened again exactly 32 years later.

In 2017, it happened at 1:14 p.m. local time (6:30 p.m. UTC), with its epicenter in an area between the states of Puebla and Morelos. Then the death toll reached 369.