On April 16, 2025, a magnitude 4.8 earthquake struck the municipality of Tuxpan in Jalisco, causing significant structural damage and triggering landslides in the region's mountainous areas. The quake, which had its epicenter near Zapotiltic, was felt strongly in various parts of the state, leading local authorities to take immediate action to assess and mitigate the damage.
The most severely affected area was the delegation of Los Mazos, where reports of cracks in the ground and landslides were prevalent. Local officials, including the mayor, Claudia Gil, confirmed that they were conducting expert assessments and risk evaluations to determine the extent of the damage. Gil stated, "We have made the request for an emergency declaration, which the state government has been notified about, and we continue to monitor the situation due to the possibility of aftershocks."
In the wake of the earthquake, Civil Protection personnel from both Jalisco and Colima conducted aerial surveys of the affected areas. They confirmed that landslides had occurred in the ravines surrounding the Nevado and Fuego volcanoes, particularly near the Atenquique and Seco rivers. The dust clouds visible from various municipalities were a direct result of these landslides, which are expected to continue for several days.
Carlos Suárez Plascencia, from the scientific area of the state unit of Civil Protection and Firefighters of Jalisco, noted that the landslides posed a significant risk to residents. He advised, "There is a collapse occurring, and the material is fracturing and accumulating at the bottom of the streams. It is recommended that people do not enter the ravines for safety, for three or four days until the area is stabilized, as these landslides will continue."
Local authorities have urged residents to avoid traveling along borders, edges of hills, or unstable areas. The city council has emphasized the importance of safety, stating that the ground could present weaknesses that might jeopardize public safety. They also requested agricultural producers to check the condition of their cisterns due to the risk of potential damage.
As of April 17, 2025, reports indicated that landslides in the area were still ongoing, and microseisms were being recorded. The director of Municipal Civil Protection, Adolfo Ramos, highlighted that the greatest damages were concentrated in the ejidos of Atenquique, Los Mazos, and the Agosto delegation. Initial inspections revealed nine damaged buildings, including a parish and a house rendered uninhabitable, along with damage to the drinking water network and cracks in roads connecting these areas.
In light of the continuing risk, local authorities have been proactive in their response. They are advising residents to report any emergencies to the 911 hotline and to adhere to the guidelines set by the State Civil Protection Unit and local agencies. Moreover, they are preparing for the possibility of further landslides, particularly if heavy rains occur, which could exacerbate the situation.
During the aerial inspections, a landslide was detected near the active fumarole of the Fuego volcano. Although officials stated that this did not pose an immediate danger to the population, they are maintaining constant vigilance in the volcanic zone to prevent any potential hazards related to seismic or volcanic activity.
In summary, the earthquake has prompted significant concern for the safety and well-being of residents in Tuxpan and surrounding areas. With ongoing assessments and the potential for aftershocks, local authorities are working diligently to ensure that the community is safe and prepared for any further developments. The situation remains fluid, and officials are committed to keeping the public informed and safe as they navigate the aftermath of this natural disaster.
