Magnitude 3.3 earthquake with epicenter in Acapulco, Guerrero

The National Symological Service (SSN) reported a magnitude 3.3 earthquake near Acapulco that occurred at 4:38 local time (10:38 UTC).

Preliminary information indicates that the earthquake had an epicenter 11 km northeast of the city, Guerrero state, with a depth of 13 km and was perceived by the residents of the town.

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

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 a tremor, check your house for possible damage, use your cell phone only in emergency, do not light 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 be alert.

You can also take the following steps before an earthquake: prepare a civil protection plan, participate in 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 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 on the coast, get away from the beach and take refuge in high areas.

Telluric movements in Mexico

It is worth noting that Mexico is constantly risk of experiencing an earthquake of great magnitude, such as those that happened in September 1985 and 2017. Such movements caused misfortunes and, despite being the most remembered, have not been the largest in the country.

On March 28, 1787, a colonial Oaxaca was shaken by what has been the strongest earthquake recorded in Mexico so far. With a magnitude of 8.6, it was followed by a tsunami that went 6 kilometers beyond the coast.

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, a smaller magnitude in a seismic event does not necessarily translate into a minor impact on buildings and infrastructure. Thus, in 1985 and 2017, the inhabitants of the capital, Mexico City, had to face the devastation resulting from two earthquakes that became a water part of their lives.

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 year 2017 was recorded at 13.14 local hours (18:30 UTC) with an epicenter in the borders of the states of Puebla and Morelos and left a total of 369 deaths in the center of the country.

CONTINUE READING:

EARTHQUAKES

MORE NEWS