The National Seismological Service (SSN) reported a magnitude 4.3 earthquake that struck Puerto Vallarta on April 6 at 5:32 p.m. local time (11:32 p.m. UTC).
Preliminary information indicates that the quake had an epicenter 369 km southwest of the city, in the state of Jalisco, with a depth of 10 km, and was felt by local residents.
In the event of significant seismic activity, the National Center for Disaster Prevention (Cenapred) urges residents not to fall prey to rumors or false news and to seek information only from official sources, such as local, state, and federal Civil Protection authorities.
After an earthquake, check your home for possible damage, use your cell phone only in emergencies, do not light matches or candles until you are sure there are no gas leaks, and remember that aftershocks may occur, so it is important to be alert.
You can also take the following measures before an earthquake: prepare a civil protection plan, organize evacuation drills, identify safety zones at home, school, or workplace, and prepare an emergency backpack.
During an earthquake, remain calm and stay in a safe place, moving away from objects that could fall; if you’re in a car, park and move away from buildings, trees, and power lines; and if you’re on the coast, move away from the beach and take shelter in higher ground.
Seismic Activity in Mexico
Mexico is located in an area of high geological activity, which exposes it to the constant risk of earthquakes. Proof of this were the earthquakes of 1985 and 2017, which caused significant damage. However, they were not the largest in the country’s history, despite being among the most vivid in the memories of both Mexicans and foreigners.
The strongest earthquake recorded in the history of what is now Mexico occurred on March 28, 1787, during the Spanish colonial era. Its epicenter was in Oaxaca and had a magnitude of 8.6. This not only caused the ground to shake incredibly, but also triggered a tsunami that reached 6 kilometers inland.
Far from considering it an isolated event, the Center for Seismic Instrumentation and Recording (Cires) estimates the possibility that the country could face a similar situation in the near future. Studies conducted in 2009 to analyze the aforementioned event concluded that earthquakes of a similar magnitude could develop in the area between the coasts of Mexico and Central America. There, in the so-called Guerrero Gap, there is great geological potential to cause catastrophes of such magnitude.
However, seismic events of lower magnitudes can also cause great destruction. Between 1985 and 2017, Mexicans watched in amazement as the nation’s capital descended into chaos due to two earthquakes of a lesser intensity than the 1787 earthquake.
The 1985 earthquake occurred on September 19 of that year at 7:19 a.m. local time (1:19 p.m. UTC), with its epicenter in the state of Guerrero and a magnitude of 8.2. Since then, it was believed nothing like it would ever happen again, but, coincidentally, it happened again exactly 32 years later.
In 2017, it occurred at 1:14 p.m. Central Time (6:30 p.m. UTC), with its epicenter in an area between the states of Puebla and Morelos. The death toll then reached 369.
Source: infobae
