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5.6-magnitude earthquake shakes Oaxaca

MND Staff
By MND Staff
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People evacuated from a building following an earthquake
Despite the earthquake's magnitude, the shaking was reportedly minor. (Facebook)

A 5.6-magnitude earthquake originating along Oaxaca’s Costa Chica jolted Mexico on Monday. 

The epicenter was located near the Pacific Coast at a depth of 10 kilometers, about 20 kilometers west of Pinotepa Nacional.

Oaxaca officials said no damage was reported despite the magnitude of the temblor, confirming that a review to analyze possible impacts on infrastructure and basic services had been carried out in all 570 municipalities of the state.

The state Civil Protection Coordination agency indicated it would maintain active monitoring with emergency services and municipal authorities.

The tremor triggered Mexico City’s seismic alert system at 9:19 a.m., and was said to be noticeable in some areas of the capital, though many residents described it as imperceptible.

Mexico City officials initiated security protocols across the city in order to address any emergencies.

Overflights were carried out by police helicopters and Civil Protection patrols were conducted in various points of the capital.

Two hours later, Civil Protection authorities announced that only very minor incidents had been reported (a handful of falls and panic attacks were registered), while confirming that inspections of subway facilities were being conducted throughout the network.

President Claudia Sheinbaum issued a social media message saying no damage or injuries had been reported and the Federal Electricity Commission said its transmission and distribution networks were in good order.

Why didn’t the new cell phone alert sound?

Despite the apparent lack of damage, there was considerable confusion about why the much-ballyhooed cell phone alert system did not work and the reason for the failure was rather ironic.

The federal Digital Transformation and Telecommunications Agency said the cell phone alert platform had been deactivated as it was undergoing maintenance ahead of Wednesday’s national earthquake drill during which the entire earthquake alarm system will be tested.

Mexico City residents were alerted to the seismic activity by the earthquake sirens (98.6% of which functioned, according to city officials), but elsewhere in the country, social media users reported that many people did not vacate buildings, instead continuing with their normal activities at offices, workplaces and schools.

With reports from El Heraldo, Milenio, Proceso, La Jornada and Infobae

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