A powerful 6.2 magnitude earthquake struck southwestern Mexico early Sunday morning, but fortunately, there were no injuries or significant damage. The tremor hit around 2:30 a.m. local time, and despite the shaking, residents appear to have escaped unharmed.
The earthquake’s epicenter was 21 kilometers (13 miles) southeast of Aquila, on the border of Colima and Michoacán states. It struck at a depth of 34 kilometers (21 miles). The United States Geological Survey confirmed the magnitude at 6.2, although further reports revised it slightly to 6.1. As is typical with such events, early measurements can shift after more analysis is done.
Presidential response
In the immediate aftermath, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum addressed the public on X (formerly Twitter), assuring citizens that emergency response teams were on standby and reviewing their procedures. “No new developments,” she posted, reassuring people that there were no serious concerns.
Mexico City unaffected
Despite the tremor, Mexico City, located around 600 kilometers (372 miles) away from the epicenter, saw no reports of damage or injury. The Mexican Social Security Institute confirmed this, and residents in the city seemed largely unaffected by the quake.
However, in nearby towns, the experience was much more intense. Videos from Coalcomán and Uruapan, the second-largest city in Michoacán, showed buildings swaying and cars shaking as the quake hit. Many residents took to the streets to wait for the tremors to stop.
Aftershocks keep the region on alert
The National Seismological Service of Mexico reported that, by 9 a.m. Sunday, 329 aftershocks had been recorded. While the initial tremor was measured at 6.2, the aftershocks were generally smaller. This is common in seismic zones, where many aftershocks follow a major quake.
Mexico’s seismic history
Mexico is known for frequent seismic activity due to its position near tectonic plate boundaries. Over the last 40 years, the country has seen at least seven earthquakes with a magnitude of 7.0 or higher. These have caused major destruction, including the devastating 8.0-magnitude quake in 1985 that resulted in nearly 10,000 deaths.
Precautions and ongoing vigilance
Although the earthquake didn’t cause harm this time, the region remains on high alert as aftershocks continue. Residents and officials alike are taking precautions, and emergency procedures are being tested.
For now, the country can breathe a sigh of relief, but Mexico knows all too well the dangers of earthquakes.
