A minor earthquake with a magnitude of 2.2 struck the Benito Juárez neighborhood of Mexico City on December 15, 2023, at 10:24:23 AM. The tremor, though felt by some residents, did not trigger the seismic alert system due to its low magnitude and location.
According to the Servicio Sismológico Nacional, the earthquake’s epicenter was situated just 2 kilometers underground, with specific coordinates of latitude 19.38 and longitude -99.17. This location falls within the city limits, which rendered the alarm unnecessary, as the alert system is programmed to activate only for earthquakes of higher magnitude and those occurring farther from urban areas.
The Centro de Comando, Control, Cómputo, Comunicaciones y Contacto Ciudadano of Mexico City, known as C5, communicated with the Secretaría de Gestión Integral de Riesgos y Protección Civil (SGIRPC) to monitor any potential fallout from this event. They reassured the public about the situation, reinforcing the community's resilience and preparedness.
A C5 representative explained, "La alerta sísmica no se activa cuando el epicentro ocurre dentro de la Ciudad de México, ya que el sistema está diseñado para alertar de sismos cuya magnitud y distancia permitan un tiempo de respuesta efectivo." This clearly outlines why alarms were not set off for such low-magnitude tremors.
Although typically minor earthquakes like this one do not pose significant risks, officials urged citizens to take proactive measures. They suggested residents maintain calm, conduct checks on the structural integrity of their homes, and have their family emergency plans readily available. The recommendations included staying informed through official channels for accurate updates.
“Mantener la calma y revisar las condiciones estructurales de su vivienda,” was shared as excellent advice for residents after minor quakes. The local government emphasized the need for individuals to remain vigilant and prepared for any eventualities.
The persistent commitment of city officials to safeguard their communities was evident as they encouraged residents to report any emergencies through official communication lines. The C5 urged residents to call 911 or reach out via government-run platforms such as Meta (Facebook) and X (Twitter).
Rest assured, the authorities of Mexico City are always on alert, ensuring the safety of its residents against any potential seismic activities. They remain committed to providing guidance and assistance whenever necessary.
Despite the low intensity of the earthquake on December 15, it serves as yet another reminder for residents to stay prepared for such natural occurrences. Each small event contributes to the larger narrative of earthquake preparedness, which remains a priority for both local authorities and the population of the capital.
With the growing frequency of tremors, albeit often non-threatening, it's more important than ever for society to prioritize readiness and adherence to safety protocols. Understanding the procedures can help people respond effectively during unexpected situations.
Overall, the minor earthquake reminded everyone of the natural hazards inherent to living in the capital, instilling awareness and encouraging safety diligence among the population.
