Southern Mexico Strikes a 5.9 Quake – Mexico City Wakes Up!
It’s Not Your First‑Time Seismic Shake
When the sky in Oaxaca suddenly decided to rattle, residents found themselves on the street faster than you can say “I just woke up!” The tremor, rated at a 5.9 magnitude (down a notch from the initial 6.1), rattled 32 km east of Santa Catarina Mechoacan at a depth of 40 km around 12:57 a.m. local time.
The Disturbing Distance
Although the epicenter was sequestered in Oaxaca, the quake’s vibrations crossed the desert to trigger emergency alarms in Mexico City, a staggering 320 km away. Residents there were probably thinking, “Wait, does that mean I’m going to get a grant?” Unfortunately, the city’s bulkheads did not include a “shake‑free zone” clause.
- Mexico City Alarm: Many slept through the shaking, merely hearing the rattling alarms.
- On‑Site Response: People sprinted to the streets, only to quickly return home once the shaking ceased.
- Security Officials: Luis Felipe Puente, head of Mexico’s civil protection agency, tweeted that the state emergency procedures were underway in affected provinces, with “no damage reported so far.”
- Infrastructure: Even the assets of state oil company Pemex remained intact, flashing a rare sign of luck.
The Bigger Picture
Mexico’s seismic woes seem to be a part of a season narrative: summer, autumn, and now winter bring powerful earthquakes. Two major quakes in September alone claimed hundreds of lives and broke countless buildings.
So, What’s Next?
Even though the current shake was mild, citizens are on guard. The next tremor could come with or without a curtain call—so stay alert, keep your coffee cups safely stored, and, as always, remember that when the ground shakes, your life’s still a solid 60% on the “Earth” rating.
