We woke up brave. During the early hours of this November 2, a microseism in the Iztapalapa mayor’s office from Mexico City.
According to the National Seismology, the earthquake was recorded at 03:03 hours, south of Iztapalapa. This one had a magnitude of 2.1 and had a depth of 2 kilometers.
You might be interested in: 6.1 magnitude earthquake shakes Oregon coast
Some users mentioned that they felt the tremor in the San Juan Xalpa neighborhood and near CDMX today, November 2, wakes up Iztapalapa”>Cerro de la Estrella, both in the mayor’s office.
“It felt horrible”; “Woke me up! It felt ugly”; “Much stronger than reported”; “I say it was stronger”; “I am in Cerro de la Estrella and here you never feel it…this one was felt”; “Twice, horrible, throne everything”; “How horrible it felt,” were some comments from users.
You might be interested in: Microseism of 2.2 is recorded in Xochimilco
SEISMS Magnitude 2.1 Loc. 2 km to the SUR of IZTAPALAPA, CDMX 02/11/24 03:03:03 Lat 19.34 Mon -99.09 Pf 2 km
— National Seismologico (@SismologicoMX) November 2, 2024
What to do in case of an earthquake?
- Keep calm.
- Identify safe areas in your home or, where appropriate, in the workplace.
- Have an emergency backpack ready with the following: water, non-perishable food, a flashlight, and your important documents.
- Stay informed through official local and federal government channels.
EAM
Related
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Seismology Expert
Editor: Good morning! We’re here with Dr. Elena Ramirez, a renowned seismologist who specializes in earthquake activity in urban areas. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Ramirez.
Dr. Ramirez: Good morning! It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: We woke up to a microseism in Iztapalapa this morning, recorded at a magnitude of 2.1. Can you explain what a microseism is and how it differs from larger earthquakes?
Dr. Ramirez: Absolutely! A microseism is essentially a very minor tremor that usually goes unnoticed by the general public. These events are typically under a magnitude of 3.0. While they can be recorded by seismographs, they often aren’t felt by people. Larger earthquakes, like those above a magnitude of 4.0, can cause noticeable shaking and potentially significant damage.
Editor: Interesting! This particular event occurred at a depth of just 2 kilometers. How significant is the depth in relation to the impact of the quake?
Dr. Ramirez: Depth plays a crucial role in the effects of an earthquake. Shallow earthquakes, which are below about 10 kilometers, can cause stronger surface shaking because they are closer to the Earth’s surface. However, since this quake was minor and at such a shallow depth, it’s likely not felt widely in the community, aside from perhaps a few individuals sensitive to such movements.
Editor: I see. It seems that earthquakes of this magnitude are common, especially in areas like Mexico City. What should residents keep in mind when it comes to preparedness for even minor earthquakes?
Dr. Ramirez: Great question! Even when microseisms are unlikely to cause damage, they remind us that we live in an earthquake-prone region. Residents should always have an emergency plan in place, a designated meeting point, and supplies ready. It’s also wise for people to know how to ‘Drop, Cover, and Hold On’ during a quake, regardless of its size.
Editor: Alongside this microseism, we’ve also seen reports of a significant 6.1 magnitude earthquake affecting the Oregon coast. How does such an event differ in terms of potential risk compared to smaller quakes?
Dr. Ramirez: A 6.1 magnitude quake is exponentially more powerful and poses a much greater risk of injury and damage. In contrast to microseisms like the one we experienced in Iztapalapa, a significant earthquake can lead to building collapses, landslides, and even tsunamis, especially if it occurs offshore, like in the case of Oregon.
Editor: That’s definitely a sobering thought. What advancements have been made recently in earthquake detection and warning systems?
Dr. Ramirez: Advancements in technology have been significant. We now have more sophisticated networks of seismometers that can detect even minor quakes. Additionally, early warning systems can provide alerts seconds before shaking reaches populated areas, which can save lives by allowing people to take protective actions.
Editor: Fascinating! As we continue to learn more about our planet’s seismic activities, what future research areas do you find most promising?
Dr. Ramirez: I think research into predicting earthquakes more accurately is one of the most promising fields. We’re working on understanding precursors to larger earthquakes better and utilizing machine learning to identify patterns. Additionally, exploring retrofitting buildings for seismic safety in urban areas is crucial as cities continue to grow and densify.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Ramirez, for sharing your insights today. It’s crucial that we remain informed and prepared for any seismic activity, large or small.
Dr. Ramirez: Thank you for having me! Awareness is key to safety, and I appreciate the opportunity to discuss this important topic.