How often are earthquakes in Mexico?
Earthquakes are a natural phenomenon that occurs all over the world, and Mexico is no exception. Are earthquakes common in Mexico? Indeed, Mexico experiences very strong earthquakes with far-reaching consequences.
Earthquakes with a magnitude of over 8 destroy numerous houses within a radius of several hundred kilometers and cause great damage and devastation. Measured by the size of the country, earthquakes occur rather rarely.
Why are there so many earthquakes in Mexico?
Mexico is situated in a seismically active region, primarily due to its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire. This area is notorious for its tectonic plate boundaries, where several plates interact, leading to frequent seismic activity.
When discussing earthquake frequency, understanding the concept of magnitude is crucial.
Magnitude measures the energy released at the earthquake’s source. Mexico experiences earthquakes of varying magnitudes, from minor tremors to more significant events. This diversity contributes to the overall frequency of seismic activity.
To grasp the frequency of earthquakes in Mexico, let’s examine some statistical data. On average, Mexico experiences thousands of earthquakes each year. However, the majority of these are of low magnitude and often go unnoticed by the general population.
Mexico’s frequency of earthquakes is intricately tied to its geological location. Public awareness and education are key components in mitigating the impact of these natural events on communities across the country.
How many earthquakes does Mexico have per year?
Mexico experiences 40-50 earthquakes per year, most of which are magnitude 5 or lower.
Most earthquakes in Mexico occur along the boundaries of the Cocos Plate, which is subducting beneath the North American Plate. The subduction zone is situated off the southwestern coast of Mexico, particularly near Guerrero and Oaxaca.
These quakes can be felt in central parts of the country, including Mexico City. The geological and topographical conditions in central Mexico, where the capital is situated, contribute to the propagation of seismic waves.
Mexico City, like many other urban areas in Mexico, situated in seismically active regions, experiences a certain number of earthquakes each year. The frequency can vary, and not all earthquakes are noticeable or significant.
The list of major earthquakes in Mexico
Mexico has a history of significant seismic events, such as the devastating 1985 Mexico City earthquake. Analyzing these past occurrences sheds light on the region’s vulnerability to seismic activity.
Several factors contribute to the frequency of earthquakes in Mexico.
Subduction zones, where one tectonic plate is forced beneath another, are common in the region. Additionally, the complex interactions between the Cocos Plate and the North American Plate play a crucial role in the seismic activity observed.
21 century:
- 22.09.2022 – Michoacán – 6.8 Mw
- 19.09.2022 – Michoacán – 7.6 Mw
- 21.06.2022 – Jalisco – 2.4 Mw
- 03.03.2022 – Veracruz – 5.7 Mw
- 07.09.2021 – Guerrero – 7.0 Mw
- 23.06.2020 – Oaxaca – 7.4 Mw
- 16.02.2018 – Oaxaca – 7.2 Mw
- 23.09.2017 – Oaxaca – 6.1 Mw
- 19.09.2017 – Mexico City, Morelos, Puebla – 7.1 Mw
- 07.09.2017 – Chiapas, Oaxaca – 8.2 Mw
- 23.11.2015 – Guerrero – 5.5 Mw
- 07.07.2014 – Chiapas – 6.9 Mw
- 08.05.2014 – Guerrero – 6.6 Mw
- 18.04.2014 – Guerrero – 7.2 Mw
- 20.03.2012 – Guerrero, Oaxaca – 7.4 Mw
- 10.12.2011 – Guerrero – 6.5 Mw
- 05.05.2011 – Guerrero – 5.7 Mw
- 30.06.2010 – Oaxaca – 6.2 Mw
- 04.04.2010 – Baja California – 7.2 Mw
- 27.04.2009 – Guerrero – 5.8 Mw
- 22.01.2003 – Colima – 7.5 Mw
20 century:
- 29.12.1999 – Guerrero – 5.9 Mw
- 30.09.1999 – Oaxaca – 7.4 Mw
- 15.06.1999 – Puebla – 7.0 Mw
- 11.01.1997 – Michoacán – 7.2 Mw
- 21.10.1995 – Chiapas – 7.1 Mw
- 09.10.1995 – Colima, Jalisco – 8.0 Mw
- 14.09.1995 – Guerrero – 7.4 Mw
- 25.04.1989 – Guerrero – 6.9 Mw
- 19.09.1985 – Michoacán, Mexico City – 8.0 Mw
- 25.10.1981 – Michoacán – 7.2 Mw
- 24.10.1980 – Oaxaca – 7.2 Mw
- 15.10.1979 – Baja California – 6.4 Mw
- 14.03.1979 – Guerrero – 7.6 Mw
- 28.08.1973 – Puebla, Veracruz – 7.1 ML
- 30.01.1973 – Colima – 7.5 Ms
- 02.08.1968 – Guerrero, Oaxaca – 7.3
- 23.08.1965 – Oaxaca – 7.5 Mw
- 06.07.1964 – Guerrero – 7.4 Ms
- 26.08.1959 – Veracruz – 6.4 Mw
- 28.07.1957 – Guerrero, Mexico City – 7.9 Ms
- 15.04.1941 – Colima – 7.6 Mw
- 26.07.1937 – Puebla, Veracruz – 7.3 Ms
- 22.06.1932 – Colima – 7.0 Mw
- 18.06.1932 – Colima – 7.8 Mw
- 03.06.1932 – Jalisco – 8.1 Mw
- 15.01.1931 – Oaxaca – 7.8 Mw
- 03.01.1920 – Puebla, Veracruz – 6.4 Ms
- 19.11.1912 – State of Mexico – 7.0
- 16.12.1911 – Guerrero – 7.6
- 07.06.1911 – Michoacán – 7.6
- 30.07.1909 – Guerrero – 7.6
- 15.04.1907 – Guerrero – 7.7
- 20.01.1900 – Colima – 7.4
19 century:
- 24.01.1899 – Guerrero – 7.5
- 05.06.1897 – Oaxaca – 7.4
- 02.11.1894 – Guerrero, Oaxaca – 7.4
- 24.02.1892 – Baja California – 7.1–7.2
- 02.12.1890 – Guerrero, Oaxaca – 7.3
- 06.09.1889 – Guerrero – 7.1
- 29.05.1887 – Guerrero – 7.3
- 03.05.1887 – Sonora – 7.6 Mw
- 19.07.1882 – Guerrero, Oaxaca – 7.5
- 17.05.1879 – Puebla – 7.1
- 09.03.1875 – Colima, Jalisco – 7.4
- 11.02.1875 – Jalisco – 7.5
- 16.03.1874 – Guerrero – 7.3
- 27.03.1872 – Oaxaca – 7.4
- 11.05.1870 – Oaxaca – 7.8
- 03.10.1864 – Puebla, Veracruz – 7.3
- 19.06.1858 – Michoacán – 7.5
- 05.05.1854 – Oaxaca – 7.7
- 04.12.1852 – Acapulco – 7.8
- 07.04.1845 – Guerrero – 7.9 Ms
- 29.11.1852 – Baja California – 6.5 MLa
- 09.03.1845 – Oaxaca – 7.5
- 22.11.1837 – Jalisco – 7.7
- 06.01.1835 – State of Mexico –
- 04.05.1820 – Guerrero – 7.6
- 31.05.1818 – Colima, Michoacán – 7.7
- 25.03.1806 – Colima, Michoacán – 7.5 Ms
- 08.03.1800 – Central, Eastern, and Southeastern –
18 century:
- 28.03.1787 – Guerrero, Oaxaca, Mexico City – 8.6 Mw
Twin earthquakes in Mexico City
There are two main earthquakes in the collective memory of Mexicans: one in 1985 and the other in 2017. At 13:19 on September 19, 1985, Mexico woke up with the most devastating earthquake in its modern history.
September 19, 1985 – Mexico City earthquake
On September 19, 1985, at 07:17, Mexico faced a devastating earthquake that left an indelible mark on the nation’s history. The seismic event, measuring 8.1 in magnitude, struck central Mexico, including Mexico City.
Thousands lost their lives, and extensive damage was inflicted on buildings and infrastructure.
The earthquake’s magnitude contributed to its destructive power, collapsing buildings and causing widespread panic. The aftermath prompted a reevaluation of building codes and disaster preparedness in Mexico.
The aftermath of the 1985 earthquake saw an outpouring of national and international support. The recovery efforts were challenging, but they led to improvements in infrastructure and disaster response mechanisms.
September 19, 2017 – Mexico City earthquake
Exactly 32 years later, on September 19, 2017, at 13:14, Mexico experienced another powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.1. This time, the quake struck the central Mexican states of Puebla, Morelos, and Mexico City.
This temblor occurred just two hours after the annual national earthquake drill – “Mega Simulacro” (Mega Drill) – and by a tragic coincidence the new temblor happened on the exact day of the 1985 earthquake struck.
Once again, as 32 years ago, buildings crumbled, and lives were tragically lost.
September 19, 2022 – Mexico earthquake
The earthquakes that occurred in Mexico City on September 19, 1985, and September 19, 2017, became significant in the history of the country. On September 22, 2022, another significant earthquake hit Mexico.
A magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck western Mexico on the exact anniversary of two devastating temblors in 1985 and 2017. The quake hit shortly after 13:00 local time close to Michoacan’s border with the state of Colima.
This earthquake was relatively shallow, only 15 km deep, which increased its impact and resulted in a tsunami warning being issued. However, there were no reports of major damage in Mexico City after the earthquake.
The National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) said there was no scientific explanation for the three major earthquakes that occurred on the same day and attributed it to pure coincidence.
Earthquake safety measures in Mexico
Given the seismic nature of the region, Mexico has invested in earthquake monitoring systems. Organizations like the National Seismological Service play a crucial role in tracking seismic events and providing early warnings.
This proactive approach is vital for public safety and disaster preparedness.
Earthquake public awareness and education in Mexico
Increasing public awareness about earthquake preparedness is essential. Educational programs and drills help communities understand the risks and know how to respond during an earthquake.
Mega Simulacro (Mega Drill)
Mexico typically holds an annual earthquake drill known as the “Mega Simulacro” (Mega Drill) on September 19th. This date is significant because it commemorates the anniversary of the earthquake that struck Mexico City in 1985.
Every year at 11:00, a national earthquake drill is conducted by the government through the use of public loudspeakers located throughout Mexico City, to raise awareness and preparedness for seismic events.
Mega Simulacro is a national seismic hazard awareness exercise that includes practicing evacuation procedures, testing communications systems, and participating in other activities aimed at improving earthquake preparedness.
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