Mexico Earthquakes: Risk Zones, Safety Tips, and Preparedness

2024-01-18 16:54:45

Today, Thursday, January 18 at 8:40 in the morning, a strong earthquake was recorded in Mexico that was located 25 kilometers southeast of Huatulco, Oaxaca. The depth was 14 kilometers and magnitude 5.0 degrees, according to the latest report from the National Seismological Service (SSN). On the other hand, the Mexican Seismic Alert System (SASMEX) reported that the seismic alert was not activated because the magnitude of the earthquake did not reach the levels necessary for its activation. However, some mobile applications did issue the alert, so the Secretariat of Comprehensive Risk Management and Civil Protection (SGIRPC) contacted the mayor’s authorities to rule out any effects.

Where was the last earthquake today, January 18, in Mexico?

The Mexican territory is known for its great daily seismic activity due to its geographical position in the Pacific Ring of Fire and the five tectonic plates (Caribbean, Pacific, North American, Rivera and Cocos). The data offered by the SSN covers the states of Chiapas, Oaxaca, Guerrero, Michoacán, Colima, Jalisco, among others and is constantly supervised by researchers from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) and the Mexican Government.

For this reason, we share with you the updated report from the National Seismological Service (SSN) of the latest earthquakes recorded in Mexico today, Thursday, January 18, with vital information about the degree of magnitude (on the Richter scale), the time, the depth , the epicenter and the exact location where the most recent earthquake occurred.

It is recommended to remain calm during and after the tremor – or earthquake – and follow the advice learned during the SSN drills. Always have an emergency backpack ready in case of any natural disaster with everything you need to survive for several days. Don’t forget to download the Sky Alert, SASSLA and MyShake apps, which are very useful for preventing an earthquake (all three are available on iOS and Android).

How to communicate with the National Seismological Service (SSN)?

It is important to know the evacuation routes and meeting points in case of emergency. If you want more information about seismology, you should call 55 5622 222 (ext. 38706) from anywhere in Mexico or 52 55 5622 2222 (ext. 38706) if you are abroad. Opening hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

If you want to share a seismicity report you will have to dial the numbers 55 5622 2222 (ext. 38706) anywhere in the country or 52 55 5622 2222 (ext. 38706) if you are abroad.

You can also write to the email [email protected] that correspond to the National Seismological Service (SSN). Another option is the suggestions email: [email protected].

What are the four seismic zones of Mexico, according to the National Seismological Service?

  • Zone A: It is the area of ​​greatest seismic activity in the country. It extends along the Pacific coast, from southern Chiapas to northern Baja California. In this area are the states with the highest seismic risk, such as Chiapas, Guerrero, Oaxaca, Michoacán, Colima and Jalisco.
  • Zone B: It is an area of ​​moderate seismic activity. It extends along the Sierra Madre Occidental, from southern Durango to central Veracruz. In this area are the states of Sonora, Sinaloa, Nayarit, Durango, Zacatecas, Aguascalientes, Guanajuato, Querétaro, Hidalgo, Tlaxcala and Morelos.
  • Zone C: It is an area of ​​low seismic activity. It extends along the Sierra Madre Oriental, from the south of Tamaulipas to the north of Veracruz. In this area are the states of Tamaulipas, San Luis Potosí, Coahuila, Nuevo León, Veracruz, Puebla and Mexico City.
  • Zone D: It is an area of ​​very low seismic activity. It extends along the Baja California peninsula and the Yucatan peninsula. In this area are the states of Baja California, Baja California Sur, Quintana Roo, Campeche, Yucatán and Tabasco.

In which states are there more risks of earthquakes in Mexico?

According to the National Seismological Service (SSN), there are 3 risk factors for earthquakes in Mexico for each of the states of the country that are classified as low, medium and high:

  • Low risk: Chihuahua, Durango, Coahuila, New Leon, Tamaulipas, San Luis Potosí, Queretaro, Yucatan, Quintana Roo, Campeche, Aguascalientes, Sinaloa, Guanajuato and Hidalgo.
  • Medium risk: Sonora, Baja California Sur, Nayarit, Veracruz (southeast), Tabasco (southeast), Mexico City (CDMX), Tlaxcala and the State of Mexico (Edomex).
  • High risk: Lower California, Jalisco (south), Colima, Michoacan, Guerrero, Chiapas (south) and Oaxaca (southeast).

The National Seismological Service (SSN) classifies in this way the 3 risk factors for seismicity in the country: low, medium and high. (National Risk Registration / Cenapred Map)

What recommendations to follow in the event of a strong earthquake in Mexico?

The National Seismological Service (SSN) shares the following recommendations on what to do when an earthquake occurs.

  • Stay calm and find a place of seismic protection.
  • Lean against a wall or under a strong desk or table
  • Turn off the electricity and close the water and gas valves.
  • If you are on the street, stay away from buildings, poles and electrical cables.
  • If you are at a mass event, the person must stay in place and protect their head and neck with their arms. In addition, you will also have to follow the instructions of those in charge of security at the venue.
  • Make a family emergency plan and practice it regularly
  • If you are driving in a tunnel, bridge or highway, you should slow down and stop after leaving the area.
  • Keep an emergency kit in your home, car and workplace

What should my emergency backpack carry?

  • Food and drinks: Enough for at least 24 hours, including non-perishable foods such as cereal bars, cookies, dried fruits, nuts, and bottled water.
  • Clothing and shelter: Enough to cover you for at least 24 hours, including warm clothing such as a jacket, sweater, scarf, and gloves.
  • Personal hygiene items: including toilet paper, toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, towels, among others.
  • First aid kit: equipped with the basic elements to treat minor injuries, such as bandages, gauze, alcohol, plasters, among others.
  • Important documents: such as copies of identification documents, health insurance, among others.
  • Cash: in case there is no access to ATMs.
  • Flashlight and spare batteries: to illuminate in case of power outages.
  • Portable radio with spare batteries: to stay informed of the latest news and alerts.
  • Whistle: to call for help in an emergency.
  • Other optional items: such as a map of the area, a pet first aid kit, etc.

Tremor in Mexico: What should a disaster emergency backpack have?

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