EARTHQUAKE IN MEXICO VIA THE NATIONAL SEISMOLOGICAL SERVICE
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 situated on the North American Plate, bordered on its southern and western portions by the Cocos, Rivera, and Pacific plates.
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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 accounts for 60% of all seismic movements recorded worldwide.
Based on statistical records, the states with the highest risk and where large magnitude earthquakes that can affect Mexico City occur are: Jalisco, Colima, Michoacán, Guerrero, Oaxaca, Puebla, State of Mexico, and Veracruz.
Earthquake 137 km to the SOUTHWEST of TONALA, CHIS
Magnitude 4.0
Date: 2026-08-19
Time: 6:19:13 (Central Time)
Latitude: 15.021º
Longitude: -94.405º
Depth: 22.4 km
Earthquake 150 km to the SOUTHEAST of LAZARO CARDENAS, BC
Magnitude 3.7
Date: 2026-08-19
Time: 4:54:18 (Central Time)
Latitude: 29.616º
Longitude: -114.783º
Depth: 14.3 km
Earthquake 69 km to the NORTHWEST of SAN FELIPE, BC
Magnitude 3.0
Date: 2026-08-19
Time: 4:39:19 (Central Time)
Latitude: 31.388º
Longitude: -115.431º
Depth: 13.5 km
Earthquake 118 km to the SOUTHEAST of SALINA CRUZ, OAX
Magnitude 3.6
Date: 2026-08-19
Time: 4:37:30 (Central Time)
Latitude: 15.276º
Longitude: -94.61º
Depth: 16.0 km
WHAT IS THE LARGEST MAGNITUDE EARTHQUAKE THAT SHOOK MEXICO CITY?
On September 19, 1985, Mexico City experienced a devastating earthquake of 8.1 magnitude, 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 as 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 situated on the North American Plate, bordered on its southern and western portions 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 accounts for 60% of all seismic movements recorded worldwide.
09:31
What was the magnitude and where was the last tremor in Mexico? Watch live here the reports from the National Seismological Service (SSN) about earthquakes in the country.
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