Earthquake Today in Mexico: On Friday, a very intense earthquake of magnitude 7.4 occurred off the southern Pacific coast of Mexico near the border with Guatemala, leading to tsunami alerts in the area. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS) has revealed that the quake took place near Puerto Madero in Chiapas in a shallow location that was only 10 km (6 miles) below the earth’s surface. The tremors were experienced all across southern Mexico, Guatemala and El Salvador and resulted in people going out into the streets as precautionary steps were taken. There have been no immediate reports of any deaths or significant damage.
Earthquake Today
This Friday’s earthquake falls into the category of the most powerful earthquakes in the region so far this year. The amount of energy released by an earthquake with the magnitude of 7.4 is considerably larger compared to the energy released by an earthquake with the magnitude of 6.4.
Mexico Earthquake Today
The epicentre of the quake was in the Pacific Ocean region near Puerto Madero, Chiapas, in close proximity to the Mexico-Guatemala border. Due to its shallow depth, the impact of the quake was felt in the southern regions of Mexico as well as the neighbouring Central American countries.
Earthquake Today in Mexico: Magnitude
- Magnitude: 7.4
- Depth: 10 km (6 miles)
- Location: Near Puerto Madero, Chiapas
- Agency Reporting: US Geological Survey (USGS)
- Type: Shallow offshore earthquake
Shallow earthquakes generally produce stronger surface shaking than deeper seismic events, increasing the possibility of local damage.
Earthquake Today in Mexico: Areas Affected
The tremors were reported across several locations, including:
- Chiapas, Mexico
- Puerto Madero
- Oaxaca
- Guatemala City
- Southern Guatemala
- Parts of El Salvador
- Pacific coastal communities near the epicentre
Earthquake Today in Mexico: Check Epicentre
The earthquake’s epicentre occurred in the open sea, near Puerto Madero in the south Mexican state of Chiapas, close to the Guatemalan border. The scientists are still studying the movements of the fault line, as aftershocks often occur after such an earthquake.
Earthquake Today in Mexico: Tsunami Alerts
After the earthquake, the US Tsunami Warning System issued a warning regarding the likelihood of dangerous tsunami waves affecting areas located up to 300 kilometers (186 miles) away from the epicenter. The authorities recommended that people not visit beaches until more information became available.
Earthquake Today in Mexico: Are Earthquakes Common in Mexico?
Yes. Mexico ranks among the countries most prone to earthquakes, as it falls under the Pacific Ring of Fire area, where various tectonic plates converge.
Key facts:
- Around 90% of all earthquakes in the world happen within the Pacific Ring of Fire area.
- Mexico experiences many earthquakes per year, though only a few are strong enough to inflict any harm.
- Some of the catastrophic earthquakes that have happened in Mexico are above 7.0 on the Richter scale.
Earthquake Today in Mexico: Safety Advisory
Residents are advised to:
- Avoid damaged buildings.
- Beware of potential aftershocks.
- Pay heed to government warnings.
- Steer clear of beaches till all danger of tsunamis is over.
- Keep your emergency kit handy.
- Use mobile phones for emergencies only.
- Keep yourself updated on reliable weather and disaster management information.
Earthquake Today in Mexico: Helpline Number
Emergency contacts include:
- 911 – National Emergency Services (Mexico)
- Local Civil Protection offices
- Municipal emergency response centres
- Official disaster management agencies
- Local police and fire departments
Key Statistics
- Magnitude: 7.4
- Depth: 10 km
- Tsunami Alert Zone: Up to 300 km from the epicentre
- Countries Feeling Tremors: Mexico, Guatemala and El Salvador
- Immediate Fatalities Reported: None
- Immediate Major Damage Reported: None
The earthquake is another instance that shows how exposed Mexico is to the risk of earthquakes. Even though the early reports have not shown any extensive damage, the government still needs to be on alert for the possibility of aftershocks and changes to tsunami threats while monitoring and collaboration are key after an earthquake.
Disclaimer: Information is based on official updates available at publication time. Authorities may revise details as damage assessments continue.
