Mexico is a highly seismic country, and for this reason, tremors are recorded every day due to its geographical location on five tectonic plates: Caribbean, Pacific, North America, Rivera, and Cocos. A recent study by the National Seismological Service (SSN) concluded that each year, the Aztec territory experiences nearly 90 tremors that exceed 4 degrees on the Richter scale, which represents 60% of the earthquakes that occur worldwide.
For this reason, I share with you the official report from the aforementioned entity, backed by scientists from UNAM, containing essential data such as the exact time, the location of the epicenter, and the magnitude from the main cities of the states of Mexico City (CDMX), Guerrero, Oaxaca, Jalisco, Chiapas, Baja California, Colima, Jalisco, Michoacán, Veracruz, among others.
Remember to check the preventive indications offered by the government of President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo and other competent authorities to be prepared for any potential emergency. Stay calm during the seismic movement and convey a message of tranquility to your friends and family at critical moments. Prepare an emergency backpack with food, clothing, and a first aid kit.
Tremor in Mexico today, Thursday, August 15th, via SSN
Live report from the National Seismological Service (SSN) ON AIR and LIVE about the latest earthquakes recorded in Mexico today, Thursday, August 15, 2024. Keep in mind that the Mexican Seismic Alert System (SASMEX) in CDMX is only activated in the following three cases:
- When the magnitude of the earthquake is greater than 5 degrees and occurs at 170 kilometers
- When the magnitude is 6 degrees and the epicenter is located more than 350 km from the capital.
- When the magnitude exceeds 5.5 degrees at less than 350 km.
Why does it shake so much in Mexico?
“Mexico is a country that is extremely seismically active. Last year, the National Seismological Service recorded 15,400 earthquakes,” said Xyoli Pérez Campos, head of the National Seismological Service of Mexico, at a press conference in 2017.
Seismic map of Mexico where you can see the states with the highest and lowest risk of tremors, according to official SSN data. (Photo: National Seismological Service / UNAM)
How should one act before, during, and after an earthquake in Mexico?
I share with you a useful list of good actions you should take to face a strong earthquake in Mexico or any other country in the world. Implement the following safety recommendations that I will show you below:
Before the earthquake in Mexico
- Constantly check the infrastructure of your home.
- Install security locks, cabinets, and shelves.
- Keep the most fragile items in safe places.
- Always have a first aid kit.
- Find an optimal meeting point that offers sufficient safety for your family.
- Educate your family members to close the light, gas, and water valves.
- Make a list of emergency numbers to contact doctors, police, civil protection, among others.
During the earthquake in Mexico
- Stay away from windows, mirrors, and sharp objects that may fall to the ground.
- Seek shelter under a sturdy table or you can also go under a door frame.
- Cover your head and neck with your arms.
- Avoid using elevators and take the stairs during the earthquake.
- Never run out of a building while the earthquake is in motion.
After the earthquake in Mexico
- Seek medical assistance for those with serious injuries.
- Provide first aid and emotional support to the injured who need it.
- Avoid using your mobile phone irresponsibly to prevent overloading the lines.
- Check the structural damage of your home.
- Close the valves to avoid possible leaks of electricity, water, or gas.
- Do not light candles, matches, or any item that may cause a fire.
Natural phenomena are unforeseen and often sudden events. For this reason, in this video, we will explain the importance of having an emergency backpack to face emergencies caused by an earthquake in Mexico.
