An earthquake with epicenter is recorded in Mapastepec, Chiapas

The tremor occurred at 3:36 hours, at a distance of 170 km from Mapastepec and had a depth of 16 km

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An earthquake of 4.2 magnitude occurred in the vicinity of Mapastepec at 3:36 local time (9:36 UTC) today, according to the National Symological Service (SSN).



Preliminary information indicates that the epicenter of the earthquake was 170 km southwest of the city in the state of Chiapas and was 16 km deep.

The extent of the impact in terms of material damage and human casualties is still unknown, given the novelty of the telluric movement in the state of Chiapas.

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 house 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 there may be replicas of the earthquake, 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 place, 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 located on the coast, stay away from the beach and take refuge in high areas.

Infografía
(Illustration: Jovani Perez/Infobae)

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 earthquakes that caused enormous destruction in the nation. Although these two are the most recognized today, they are not the largest in the territory.

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.

According to a study by the Center for Instrumentation and Seismic Record (Cires) carried out in 2009 on the earthquake of March 28, 1787, large earthquakes with magnitudes of 8.6 or greater could occur in the coming years. These will have as their epicenter the coasts of Mexico and Central America, because they are located in the Guerrero Breach that accumulates a large amount of energy.

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.

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.

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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