Background on the Earthquake and its Epicenter
A significant earthquake measuring 6.5 on the Richter scale jolted central and southern Mexico early Friday, January 2nd. The National Seismological Service (SSN) confirmed the quake occurred at 07:58 AM local time.
The epicenter was located 15 kilometers southwest of San Marcos, in the state of Guerrero, at a depth of 10 kilometers.
Regions Alerted by Mexico’s Seismic Early Warning System
- Mexico City (CDMX)
- Chilpancingo
- Acapulco
- Oaxaca
- Morelia
- Colima
- Puebla
- Cuernavaca
- Toluca
The Mexican Seismic Early Warning System (SASMEX) automatically alerted these nine regions, providing crucial time for people to take cover.
No Major Damage or Fatalities Reported
Federal and state authorities activated their civil protection protocols to maintain direct communication with the National Emergency Committee (CNE).
Various monitoring and assessments were conducted in the affected areas, but no significant damage or fatalities have been reported.
In Mexico City, the Head of Government Clara Brugada Molina reported on social media that initial evaluations by emergency teams found no impacts on infrastructure or systems within the city’s mobility network.
Mobile Alert System: Saving Lives
Prior to the 6.5 magnitude quake, the mobile alert system sounded across multiple entities and Mexico City. Citizens received earthquake alerts on their cell phones, enabling them to quickly evacuate to safe areas.
However, some users on social media mentioned that the alert system either didn’t sound or had insufficient volume to warn of the ongoing risk.
AICM Reports No Affectations
The International Airport of Mexico City (AICM) reported that operations continued normally as no damages were found in the airport’s infrastructure following the quake.
“After today’s earthquake, civil protection protocols were activated to review the airport infrastructure. No damages to people or facilities were identified in the operational and terminal areas, so operations continue without complications,” AICM explained on their X account.
Key Questions and Answers
- What was the magnitude of the earthquake? The quake measured 6.5 on the Richter scale.
- Where did the earthquake occur? The epicenter was located 15 kilometers southwest of San Marcos, Guerrero.
- Which regions were alerted by the Mexican Seismic Early Warning System? The SASMEX system alerted nine regions: CDMX, Chilpancingo, Acapulco, Oaxaca, Morelia, Colima, Puebla, Cuernavaca, and Toluca.
- Were there any reported damages or fatalities? No significant damage or fatalities have been reported.
- How did the mobile alert system help? The alert system provided crucial time for citizens to take cover, although some users reported issues with the alert’s volume or non-activation.
- Were there any affectations at the AICM? No damages were found in the airport’s infrastructure, and operations continued normally.
