An earthquake is recorded in Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz

The National Symological Service (SSN) reported on a magnitude 3.4 earthquake near Coatzacoalcos that occurred at 3:28 local time (9:28 UTC).

Preliminary information indicates that the earthquake had an epicenter 22 km northwest of the city, Veracruz state, with a depth of 33 km and was perceived by the residents of the town.

There is still no news regarding the victims and the material damage caused by this telluric movement in the state of Veracruz.

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 cell phone only in emergency, do not wear matches or candles until you make sure there is no gas leak and remember that replicas 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, find 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 vehicle, 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

Mexicans are used to this type of event, because the country is located in an area of high seismicity. It is worth mentioning the great damage caused by the earthquakes of 1985 and 2017, which caused great havoc throughout the Aztec territory. However, there are records of even more destructive movements in the history of this Latin American nation.

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.

However, such a great magnitude is not necessary to wreak chaos. Mexicans keep memories of minor earthquakes, which occurred in 1985 and 2017. On such occasions, the entire capital and states were paralyzed by the unparalleled consequences of such telluric movements.

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.

CONTINUE READING:

EARTHQUAKES

MORE NEWS