Earthquake in Mexico: magnitude, location, and time for today, Friday October 16

EARTHQUAKE IN MEXICO VIA THE NATIONAL SEISMOLOGICAL SERVICE In the context of Plate Tectonics, Mexico is located in the so-called Ring of Fire, where a large part of the telluric movements are recorded worldwide. The country is located on the North American Plate, limited in its southern and western portions by the Cocos, Rivera, and Pacific plates. Mexico is one of the countries in the world with the greatest telluric activity, since, according to statistics, more than 90 earthquakes are recorded per year with a magnitude greater than 4 degrees on the Richter scale, which is equivalent to 60% of all telluric movements recorded in the world. Based on statistical records, the states with the highest risk and where large magnitude earthquakes occur that can affect Mexico City are: Jalisco, Colima, Michoacán, Guerrero, Oaxaca, Puebla, State of Mexico, and Veracruz. - WHAT IS THE PACIFIC RING OF FIRE? - The Pacific Ring of Fire is a geologically active region that surrounds the Pacific Ocean and the continents that border its waters. It is characterized by a high frequency of earthquakes and volcanic activity. It extends for approximately 40,000 kilometers, including subduction zones where tectonic plates collide (such as the Nazca plate), which generates frequent volcanoes and earthquakes. - WHAT IS AN EARTHQUAKE SWARM? - An earthquake swarm is a group of earthquakes that occur in the same area during a short period of time. Unlike a single strong earthquake, earthquake swarms usually consist of numerous minor tremors. Often, there is no main earthquake that triggers the swarm, but the seismic events occur in a more or less continuous manner and are related to tectonic processes. - HOW TO ACT DURING AN EARTHQUAKE? - • Go to the established safety zones. - • Stay away from glass or objects that might fall. - • Try to avoid panic and remain calm. - • Do not run in a vehicle passage area. - • If you are driving, stop your vehicle. - • If you are in a building, do not use the elevator, always use the stairs. - • Be attentive to minors, the disabled, and the elderly. - HOW TO DISTINGUISH AN TREMOR FROM AN EARTHQUAKE? The terms "tremor" and "earthquake" are often used interchangeably, but in general, the difference lies in their magnitude, perceived intensity, and scope. - • Tremor: Refers to seismic movements of lower intensity. They are usually used to describe low-magnitude ground tremors that do not cause significant damage to structures or people. They are perceptible, but their impact is slight. - • Earthquake: Refers to a seismic event of greater magnitude. Earthquakes are significant seismic tremors that can cause serious damage to buildings, infrastructure, and, in the most severe cases, cause personal injuries and even loss of life. They have considerable magnitude and are often accompanied by aftershocks. - WHAT IS THE PACIFIC RING OF FIRE? The Pacific Ring of Fire is a geologically active region that surrounds the Pacific Ocean and the continents that border its waters. It is characterized by a high frequency of earthquakes and volcanic activity. It extends for approximately 40,000 kilometers, including subduction zones where tectonic plates collide (such as the Nazca plate), which generates frequent volcanoes and earthquakes. - WHY SHOULD YOU NEVER USE AN ELEVATOR DURING AN EARTHQUAKE? Experts recommend never using an elevator during an earthquake or tremor, as it could detach from its structure and fall from a great height with people inside. - WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF A TSUNAMI? If you receive official information of tsunami alert or alarm or see the sea recede, evacuate to higher areas. Move to an area free of flooding and go to the nearest meeting point. If you cannot reach higher ground, go to a higher floor or the roof of a solid building. - EARTHQUAKE OF MAGNITUDE 4.0 LOC. 77 KM SOUTH EAST OF CRUCECITA, OAX. - WHAT IS AN EARTHQUAKE SWARM? An earthquake swarm is a group of earthquakes that occur in the same area during a short period of time. Unlike a single strong earthquake, earthquake swarms usually consist of numerous minor tremors. Often, there is no main earthquake that triggers the swarm, but the seismic events occur in a more or less continuous manner and are related to tectonic processes. - EARTHQUAKE OF MAGNITUDE 4.0 LOC. 55 KM NORTHWEST OF CINTALAPA, CHIS. - EARTHQUAKE OF MAGNITUDE 4.0 LOC. 52 KM SOUTHWEST OF ISLA, VER. - REVIEW WHAT AN EMERGENCY BACKPACK MUST CONTAIN. - EARTHQUAKE OF MAGNITUDE 4.1 LOC. 140 KM SOUTHWEST OF CD HIDALGO, CHIS. - EARTHQUAKE OF MAGNITUDE 4.0 LOC. 38 KM SOUTH OF MAPASTEPEC, CHIS. - WHAT SHOULD MY EMERGENCY BACKPACK CONTAIN? • Essential hygiene items • First aid kit (bandages, gauze, alcohol, pills, hydrogen peroxide, etc) • Clothing • Non-perishable food (tuna cans, cereal bars, chocolates, nuts, etc) and money • Communication items • Specific items for babies and infants, for women, for the elderly, and for other basic needs. - WHAT IS THE LARGEST EARTHQUAKE THAT SHOCKED MEXICO CITY? On September 19, 1985, Mexico City experienced a devastating earthquake of magnitude 8.1 on the scale of magnitude, with its epicenter on the Pacific coast. It is estimated that at least 10,000 people lost their lives, affecting and collapsing thousands of housing, commercial, and public service structures. - WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE MAGNITUDE AND THE INTENSITY OF AN EARTHQUAKE? They are scales to measure the size or impact of a tremor. The magnitude scale is obtained numerically from records obtained by seismographs and is related to the size and energy released during an earthquake. The intensity scale is assigned based on the damage or effects caused to people and their buildings. - WHY DO SO MANY EARTHQUAKES OCCUR IN MEXICO? In the context of Plate Tectonics, Mexico is located in the so-called Ring of Fire, where a large part of the telluric movements are recorded worldwide. The country is located on the North American Plate, limited in its southern and western portions by the Cocos, Rivera, and Pacific plates. Mexico is one of the countries in the world with the greatest telluric activity, since, according to statistics, more than 90 earthquakes are recorded per year with a magnitude greater than 4 degrees on the Richter scale, which is equivalent to 60% of all telluric movements recorded in the world. What was the last earthquake in Mexico? See here live reports from the National Seismological Service SSN about the earthquakes in the country. What was the last earthquake in Mexico? See here live reports from the National Seismological Service SSN about the earthquakes in the country.