Earthquakes in Mexico: Safety information and real-time earthquake tracker

Mexico is a seismic hotspot, and therefore has frequent earthquakes. This article will give you the essential safety tips to prepare for an earthquake in Mexico. You will also find a real-time earthquake tracker here.

Mexico is one of the most seismically active countries in the world, experiencing thousands of tremors annually, which answers the question: does Mexico have a lot of earthquakes? This high frequency is due to its location at the intersection of several major tectonic plates. While most are minor and go unnoticed, understanding the geological reasons and safety protocols is crucial for anyone living in or visiting Mexico City and other coastal regions.

Why Does Mexico Have So Many Earthquakes?

Mexico’s frequent earthquakes are mainly due to its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region known for intense seismic and volcanic activity. The country lies on a complex boundary where several tectonic plates interact, creating constant geological stress beneath the surface.

• Earthquakes are caused by friction and movement between large tectonic plates
• The Cocos Plate is constantly moving below the North American Plate
• This movement occurs along Mexico’s Pacific coast
• These subduction zones generate the strongest earthquakes in Mexico

Tectonic Plates Interacting in Mexico

Mexico has five major interacting tectonic plates. The constant shifting of these plates release large amounts of energy.

• North American Plate: The plate that most of the country rests upon.
• Cocos Plate: Beneath the North American Plate, causing major coastal quakes.
• Pacific Plate: A large plate that borders the western coast of the Baja California Peninsula.
• Rivera Plate: A smaller plate off the coast of Jalisco and Colima.
• Caribbean Plate: Affects the seismic activity in the southern regions.

How Often Does Mexico Have Earthquakes?

Mexico experiences a high volume of seismic events every year, however most are too small to be felt. Official data from the National Seismological Service (SSN) shows that thousands of tremors are recorded annually. The frequency of significant, felt earthquakes is much lower, on average, earthquakes with a magnitude of 8.0 or greater occur approximately every 25 to 30 years.

Annual Earthquake Statistics (Magnitude 3.0+)

The following statistics provide a clearer picture of the typical seismic activity in the region:

• Magnitude 3.0 or higher: Approximately 12,000 events per year.
• Magnitude 4.0 or higher: Approximately 1,900 events per year.
• Magnitude 5.0 or higher: Approximately 33 events per year.
• Magnitude 6.0 or higher: Approximately 3 to 4 events per year.

The Unique Risk of Mexico City

While the epicenters of the most powerful earthquakes are typically hundreds of kilometers away on the Pacific coast, Mexico City still faces a risk. The city is built on the former bed of Lake Texcoco, which is composed of soft, water-saturated clay and sediment. This is why Mexico City has earthquakes that are so destructive.

When seismic waves travel from the coast, this soft soil acts like a bowl of jelly, which amplifies the shaking. This phenomenon, known as site effect, can increase the duration and intensity of ground motion, leading to greater structural damage. Even a M6 earthquake far away can become a threat to the city's infrastructure.

Earthquake Safety and Medical Preparedness

For expats and travelers, being prepared for an earthquake is an essential part of living in Mexico. The most important step is to know the "Drop, Cover, and Hold On" procedure immediately when shaking begins. You should also prepare an emergency kit with water, non-perishable food, a flashlight, and a first-aid kit.

In the event of a medical emergency following a major seismic event, knowing where to find help is critical. Nomadoc is designed to connect you with English-speaking doctors and specialists who can provide care during and after a crisis. Having a plan for communication and meeting points with family or friends is also highly recommended.

Realtime Earthquake Tracker and Alert Systems

Staying informed about seismic activity is easy with modern technology and official alert systems. Mexico has one of the world's most advanced early warning systems, the Sistema de Alerta Sísmica Mexicano (SASMEX). This system can provide up to 60 seconds of warning in Mexico City for quakes originating on the coast. You also receive amber alerts on your phone.

Do earthquakes happen more often in September?

Many locals will tell you that September is the month of earthquakes because many of the most destructive earthquakes that happened in Mexico City were in that month. Since the M8 earthquake of 1985, there have been 9 M7 earthquakes in September.

It may feel like Mexico gets major earthquakes in September, but this perception is largely due to coincidence and selective memory. When scientists look at longer earthquake records, large earthquakes occur across many different months, and the apparent September pattern disappears. Earthquakes are a random process, and short timeframes can easily create patterns that seem meaningful but aren’t.