A magnitude 4.8 earthquake struck Acapulco, Guerrero, early Sunday morning on December 15, 2023, at 3:58 AM local time, without activating the seismic alert system and with no reports of damages so far, according to the Servicio Sismológico Nacional (SSN).
The quake was located approximately 92 kilometers southwest of Ometepec. Given the earthquake's intensity, which did not surpass established thresholds, the alert system was rendered inactive. Residents of Mexico City felt no tremors, indicating the quake's severity was low.
At 5:42 AM, another quake measuring 4.4 struck near Acapulco’s beaches. Following this activity, Guerrero Governor Evelyn Salgado Pineda stated, “Hace unos minutos se percibió un sismo, por lo que a través de la Secretaría de Gestión Integral de Riesgos y Protección Civil Guerrero activamos los protocolos correspondientes. Por favor, ante cualquier emergencia, comunícate al número 911. Mantendremos la información actualizada en nuestras cuentas oficiales. ¡Cuídense mucho!” She emphasized the importance of precautionary measures and maintaining communication with protective services during emergencies.
The alerts generated by seismic activities are part of Mexico’s extensive monitoring systems, particularly for regions with historical seismic activity. The alert system is integral to the country, where earthquakes are frequent and often dangerous.
According to the SSN, the alert protocols work by determining earthquake magnitude and distance, assessing whether to issue public alerts across multiple cities, including Texas ports, Oaxaca, Acapulco, and others within proximity to seismic threats. Alerts are triggered if seismic waves reach levels exceeding safety benchmarks, with thresholds determined by past data and immediate seismic evaluations.
This earthquake reignites discussions around emergency preparedness. The National Disaster Prevention Center (Cenapred) advises people not to fall for rumors or misinformation during seismic events; instead, they should rely only on verified communication from local and federal authorities for updates and safety protocols. Post-earthquake, these advisories encourage households to check for visible damages and avoid using mobile devices except for emergencies.
Mexico stands as one of the world's most seismically active regions. The memories of significant earthquakes loom large, like the catastrophic events of 1985 and 2017. Although these major earthquakes rate among the most devastating, they are not the highest recorded since modernization. A formidable 8.6 quake struck Oaxaca back on March 28, 1787, followed by destructive waves have kept experts warning of potential similar occurrences along the Guerrero Gap—a region renowned for geological hazards.
While Sunday’s tremors may seem minor, they serve as stark reminders of the country’s vulnerability to natural disasters and the necessity for proper protocols and community awareness. Lesser earthquakes, though sometimes perceived as inconsequential, can affect structures and infrastructure. The public must remain vigilant, as even small tremors may precede larger seismic events.
Historical records show how devastating seismic events have shaped the cultural narrative of Mexico. The 1985 earthquake, occurring at 7:19 AM local time with its epicenter also located near Guerrero, shook the country and resulted in severe casualties—an event nearly replicated on its 32nd anniversary with another notable earthquake of 7.1 magnitude. Such anniversaries instill fear, leading to reminders of preparedness and the need for consistent updates through official channels.
Following this recent activity, residents are encouraged to take personal safety measures—establish emergency plans, conduct evacuation drills, and update supplies for potential emergencies residing within homes, schools, and workplaces. It’s necessary to know the safest locations during seismic incidents, avoiding hazards like windows and heavy objects.
While this 4.8 earthquake may not have caused immediate alarm, vigilance is key, as applicable safety measures could save lives. It’s welcome news for communities to stay informed of current events and prepared for the inevitable unpredictability of seismic activities.
