Earthquake in Mexico today, Tuesday, August 18: recent tremors reported by the SSN

• *Triangle of life

• These are the emergency lines in Mexico City where you can request help or ask for information:

• 911 – Emergency number

• 56 58 11 11 – Locatel

• 55 57 57 57 – Red Cross

• 071 – Federal Electricity Commission

• 56 54 32 10 – Water System

• 018007195473 – Gas leaks

• What have been the strongest earthquakes recorded in Mexico in recent history?

• Among the strongest are the magnitude 8.1 earthquake of 1985 on the coast of Michoacán, the magnitude 8.2 on September 7, 2017, in the Gulf of Tehuantepec, and other events greater than magnitude 7 in the Mexican Pacific.

• Can earthquakes be predicted with current technology?

• No. The date, place, and magnitude of an earthquake cannot be predicted. Only long-term statistical probability estimates can be made in certain areas.

• In the event of an earthquake, prepare and act!

• Before

• Locate objects that can fall and move away from them.
• Identify lower-risk areas and evacuation routes.
• Always have an emergency backpack at hand.

• During

• Stay calm, do not run, and go to lower-risk areas.
• Stay away from windows, glass, mirrors, exterior doors, or walls.
• Avoid elevators and return to the building only when Civil Protection indicates.

• After

• Inspect your home or office and check for damages.
• Collaborate with authorities and remember to have emergency numbers handy.
• Report any damage to 911.

• Remember that earthquakes are not predictable, so we need to be prepared to face these phenomena.

• As of 08:00 on August 18, 2026, 1,808 aftershocks of the M 7.4 earthquake that occurred in Ciudad Hidalgo, Chiapas on July 17, 2026, have been recorded, the largest with a magnitude of M 6.5.

• EARTHQUAKE 150 km SOUTHWEST OF CD HIDALGO, CHIS
• Magnitude 4.1
• Date: 2026-08-18 
• Time: 00:18:16 (Central Time)
• Latitude: 14.075º
• Longitude: -93.395º
• Depth: 10.0 km

• Earthquake 12 km NORTHEAST of OMETEPEC
• Local Date and Time: 08/17/26 19:57:37
• Magnitude: 4.0
• Depth: 9 km
• Latitude: 16.74
• Longitude: -98.31

• WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF AN EARTHQUAKE IN MEXICO?

The General Coordination of Civil Protection of Mexico recommends during an earthquake:

• Stay calm and go to the previously selected lower-risk places. Do not use elevators
• Stay away from objects that may fall and from windows
• If possible, turn off the gas valves and lower the main electricity switch

• HOW MUCH SHOULD THE SURVIVAL BACKPACK WEIGH?

The ideal weight should not exceed 25% of the body weight of the person who will carry it, ensuring a quick and agile evacuation.

• WHAT NUMBER TO CALL IN CASE OF EARTHQUAKES IN MEXICO?

In case of an earthquake in Mexico, the emergency numbers you can call are:

• Emergency service: 911
• Civil Protection Secretariat: 56 83 22 22
• Police: 060
• Red Cross: 065 and 53 95 11 11
• Firefighters: 57 68 25 32
• Locatel: 56 58 11 11

In the event of a large magnitude earthquake, remember to avoid calling landlines or cell phones, as this causes saturation of mobile lines; opt to send text messages.

• CAN EARTHQUAKES BE PREDICTED?

To date, there is no technique that allows predicting earthquakes. Not even countries like the United States and Japan, whose technology is very advanced, have been able to develop a predictive technique for tremors. 

• CAN ALL EARTHQUAKES GENERATE TSUNAMIS?

A Tsunami consists of waves several meters high produced by an earthquake whose hypocenter occurs under the ocean. These earthquakes cause the seabed to move vertically, which generates a violent displacement of the volume of water above it.

• How much should the survival backpack weigh?

The ideal weight should not exceed 25% of the body weight of the person who will carry it, ensuring a quick and agile evacuation.

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• Can an earthquake be predicted?

Currently, it is impossible to determine, since the Earth itself presents a wide dynamic regarding its movements, considering that it is not only about predicting when it will tremble, but also being able to determine the intensity, magnitude, depth, and other important factors.

• Seismic summary from August 10 to 16:

Weekly seismicity: from August 10 to 16, 2026 pic.twitter.com/fpPrR4lKBi

— National Seismological Service (@SSNMexico) August 17, 2026

• EARTHQUAKE 41 km SOUTH of JALTIPAN DEMORELOS, VERACRUZ
• Magnitude 4.0
• Date: 2026-08-17 
• Time: 13:16:05 (Central Time)
• Latitude: 17.598º
• Longitude: -94.64º
• Depth: 157.8 km

• EARTHQUAKE 71 km SOUTHWEST of MAPASTEPEC, CHIS
• Magnitude 4.1
• Date: 2026-08-17 
• Time: 12:54:24 (Central Time)
• Latitude: 14.863º, Longitude: -93.17º
• Depth: 9.4 km

• EARTHQUAKE 130 km SOUTHWEST of CD HIDALGO, CHIS
• Magnitude 4.2
• Date: 2026-08-17 
• Time: 12:33:00 (Central Time)
• Latitude: 13.982º
• Longitude: -93.124º
• Depth: 10.0 km

• BASIC ELEMENTS FOR AN EMERGENCY BACKPACK
• Water: At least 2 liters per person for one day.
• Non-perishable food: Canned goods, energy bars, and food easy to open and consume.
• Flashlight and batteries: Make sure to have spare batteries.
• First aid kit: Include bandages, antiseptic, basic medications, and those you regularly use.
• Important documents: In a waterproof bag, keep copies of identification, insurance policies, proof of address, and a list of emergency contacts.
• Portable radio: Preferably with batteries, to receive alerts and updates.
• Clothing: Include light clothing, thermal blankets, and a raincoat.
• Basic tools: Multi-purpose knife, lighter or waterproof matches, adhesive tape, and rope.
• Cash: Consider coins and small bills.
• Personal hygiene: Toilet paper, wet wipes, bar soap, and feminine products.
• Portable charger: To keep mobile devices operational.

• EARTHQUAKE 89 km SOUTHEAST of SALINA CRUZ, OAXACA
• Magnitude 4.0
• Date: 2026-08-17 
• Time: 10:33:21 (Central Time)
• Latitude: 15.52º
• Longitude: -94.728º
• Depth: 16.1 km

• EARTHQUAKES 36 km NORTHWEST of CINTALAPA, CHIS
• Magnitude 4.0
• Date: 2026-08-17 
• Time: 08:57:58 (Central Time)
• Latitude: 16.86º
• Longitude: -94.01º
• Depth: 138.5 km

• As of 08:00 on August 17, 2026, 1,782 aftershocks of the M 7.4 earthquake that occurred in Ciudad Hidalgo, Chiapas on July 17, 2026, have been recorded, the largest with a magnitude of M 6.5.

• What is the Mexican Seismic Alert System (SASMEX)?
• The seismic alert system issues warnings in the Valley of Mexico when a series of sensor stations located along the coast of Guerrero confirm the occurrence of a large magnitude earthquake in this area. The usefulness of SAS lies in the principle that the propagation speed of radio waves (through which the alert is transmitted) is greater than the propagation speed of seismic waves. The advance warning of the start of the earthquake that occurs on the coast of Guerrero upon its arrival in the Valley of Mexico and Toluca is approximately 60 seconds, enough time to carry out measures that reduce the possibility of a considerable disaster.

• EARTHQUAKE 131 km SOUTHWEST of CD HIDALGO, CHIS
• Magnitude 4.2
• Date: 2026-08-17 
• Time: 05:13:06 (Central Time)
• Latitude: 13.853º
• Longitude: -93.02º
• Depth: 10.0 km

• EARTHQUAKE 160 km SOUTHWEST of CD HIDALGO, CHIS
• Magnitude 4.0
• Date: 2026-08-17 
• Time: 04:30:43 (Central Time)
• Latitude: 14.072º
• Longitude: -93.496º
• Depth: 10.0 km

• EARTHQUAKE 152 km SOUTHWEST of CD HIDALGO, CHIS
• Magnitude 4.3
• Date: 2026-08-17 
• Time: 02:50:51 (Central Time)
• Latitude: 14.064º
• Longitude: -93.413º
• Depth: 12.2 km

• EARTHQUAKE 8 km SOUTHWEST of SAN JOSE DEL CABO, BCS
• Magnitude 3.2
• Date: 2026-08-17 
• Time: 01:43:29 (Central Time)
• Latitude: 22.995º
• Longitude: -109.739º
• Depth: 11.9 km

• As of 20:00 on August 16, 2026, 1,751 aftershocks of the M 7.4 earthquake that occurred in Ciudad Hidalgo, Chiapas on July 17, 2026, have been recorded, the largest with a magnitude of M 6.5.

WHAT IS THE LARGEST MAGNITUDE EARTHQUAKE THAT SHOOK MEXICO CITY?

On September 19, 1985, Mexico City experienced a devastating 8.1 magnitude earthquake, with its epicenter on the Pacific coast. 

It is estimated that at least 10,000 people lost their lives, affecting and collapsing thousands of housing, commercial, and public service structures.

WHAT IS AN EARTHQUAKE?

An earthquake is a sudden rupture of rocks inside the Earth. This sudden release of energy propagates in the form of waves that cause ground movement.

HOW LONG DOES AN EARTHQUAKE LAST AND WHY DOES THE SSN NOT REPORT THIS DATA?

When we talk about the duration of an earthquake, we can refer to several different concepts: One is the duration of the movement perceived by humans, another is the duration of the instrumental record (which can be several minutes), and another is the time the fault movement that caused the earthquake lasted (which can be just a few seconds).

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE MAGNITUDE AND INTENSITY OF AN EARTHQUAKE?

They are scales to measure the size or impact of a tremor. The magnitude scale is obtained numerically from records obtained by seismographs and is related to the size and energy released during a tremor. The intensity scale is assigned based on the damage or effects caused to people and their constructions.

WHY DO SO MANY EARTHQUAKES OCCUR IN MEXICO?

In the context of Plate Tectonics, Mexico is located in the so-called Ring of Fire, where a large part of the seismic movements worldwide are recorded. The country is located on the North American Plate, bordered on its southern and western portion by the Cocos, Rivera, and Pacific plates.

Mexico is one of the countries in the world with the highest seismic activity, since according to statistics, more than 90 earthquakes per year with a magnitude greater than 4 on the Richter scale are recorded, which is equivalent to 60% of all seismic movements recorded worldwide.

What was the magnitude and where was the last earthquake in Mexico? Watch live here the reports from the National Seismological Service (SSN) about earthquakes in the country.

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