A magnitude 5.5 earthquake struck Mexico’s southern state of Oaxaca on Friday evening, triggering seismic alarms in the nation’s capital, Mexico City. The quake, reported by the United States Geological Survey (USGS), occurred near the town of San Miguel Achiutla at a depth of 64 kilometers (40 miles).
The tremor prompted an immediate response from Mexican authorities. President Claudia Sheinbaum took to social media platform X to confirm that no damage had been reported in the affected areas. Meanwhile, the governor of Oaxaca stated that emergency protocols had been activated to ensure the safety of residents.
Mexico City, despite being located hundreds of kilometers away from the epicenter, experienced precautionary measures as seismic alarms blared throughout the metropolis. The alarms, part of the city’s early warning system, sent thousands of residents momentarily into the streets as they awaited further updates. Fortunately, no casualties or significant structural damages were reported.
Earthquakes are a common occurrence in Mexico, a country that sits along the Pacific Ring of Fire, one of the most seismically active regions in the world. The early warning system in Mexico City has been crucial in preventing casualties by giving residents a brief but critical window to evacuate or take cover before strong shaking begins.
Oaxaca, a state with a long history of seismic activity, has experienced significant quakes in the past. In 2017, an 8.2-magnitude earthquake struck off its coast, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. Fortunately, Friday’s 5.5-magnitude tremor was considerably weaker and did not result in a disaster.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, urging residents to remain alert for potential aftershocks. The public is also advised to follow emergency protocols and have emergency kits prepared, as the region remains susceptible to further seismic activity.
While the earthquake served as a reminder of Mexico’s vulnerability to natural disasters, the swift response from authorities and the effectiveness of the early warning system once again demonstrated the country’s preparedness for such events.
