A magnitude 5.5 earthquake struck Tlaxiaco, Oaxaca at 21:19 hours on March 14, 2025, shaking the state capital and activating seismic alerts across multiple regions, including Mexico City. The tremor lasted for several minutes, alarming residents who quickly evacuated their homes as a precautionary measure.
Reports from the National Seismological Service confirmed the epicenter was located 15 kilometers southeast of H Tlaxiaco at 17.183° latitude and -97.569° longitude, with the quake occurring at a depth of approximately 64.7 kilometers. Shortly after the earthquake shook the region, Oaxaca's Governor, Salomón Jara Cruz, announced, “We have activated emergency protocols across the eight regions of our state for assessment purposes.”
Governor Cruz emphasized the need for thorough evaluations of potential impacts and confirmed the deployment of government teams to assess the situation. Following his announcement, he stated, “Our corresponding areas are working diligently to review any possible damages.”
President Claudia Sheinbaum from Mexico City provided updates via social media platforms, assuring the public, “So far, no damage has been reported” as the seismic alert protocol remained active to maintain vigilance. Meanwhile, the National Civil Protection Coordination confirmed continuous monitoring of the situation to enforce safety.
Clara Brugada, the Jefa de Gobierno of Mexico City, also initiated emergency protocols due to the earthquake's impact, stating, “We have begun the emergency protocol due to the activation of the seismic alert. More information will follow shortly.”
Myriam Urzúa, the Secretary of Integral Risk Management and Civil Protection, reported via social media channels: “We have established communication with the risk management units across the boroughs, and currently, no incidents have been reported.”
Similarly, the Secretary of Mobility for Mexico City, Héctor Ulises García, noted the city’s integrated mobility network was under review but functioning normally. The STC Metro and Metrobús paused their operations temporarily to conduct thorough inspections of their infrastructure.
Public safety protocols became particularly pertinent during this incident. Concertgoers attending Miguel Bosé’s performance experienced the seismic alert mid-show. The concert paused as attendees were evacuated, causing initial panic among the audience, who began to leave the venue through emergency exits amid the confusion. Bosé himself reported feeling anxious but resumed the concert approximately 15 minutes later, continuing with the song 'Sereno.'
Reports indicated the earthquake led to minor landslides along the Oaxaca-Cuacnopalan highway. Manuel Maza Sánchez, director of the State Coordination of Civil Protection and Risk Management, remarked, “Currently, our evaluations indicate there are no casualties, but we advise motorists to drive cautiously due to some landslides.”
The Government of Oaxaca, through the Civil Protection Coordination, maintained the assessment of the region, with reports highlighting safety and functionality across various sectors. By 2025-03-15, emergency protocols remained active as teams continued their evaluations.
The seismic alert, according to the Center for Instrumentation and Seismic Registration (Cires), was triggered not only across Oaxaca but also affected eight other cities, including Mexico City, Acapulco, and Toluca, demonstrating the quake's far-reaching impact. “Cities were notified of the threat and provided with approximate anticipatory warnings,” confirmed Cires officials.
Despite the nervy moments during the earthquake, authorities reported no significant issues emerged from the quake, marking it as another event where preparedness protocols effectively mitigated potential crisis situations. Pablo Vázquez Camacho confirmed no damage from his team’s aerial assessments and patrols throughout the capital.
The general consensus among officials remained optimistic. They praised the prompt responses and successful activation of protocols intended to safeguard public wellbeing during seismic events. Citizens have been encouraged to stay informed and calm, awaiting any updates from local authorities as assessments continue to clarify the earthquake's effects.
This incident showcased not only the resilience of the communities affected but also the tenacity of the governmental and civil systems established to protect and inform the public. The swift actions by local and state officials demonstrate the preparedness of Oaxaca and Mexico City to handle natural disasters and keep citizens safe.