In recent days, the state of Oaxaca has once again been in the spotlight due to the seismic activity recorded throughout June 2025.Various municipalities have experienced earthquakes that, while causing no material damage or casualties according to initial reports, have served as a reminder of the importance of being prepared for this type of natural phenomenon.
El National Seismological Service (SSN) has confirmed several tremors, which have been felt mainly in areas such as Matias Romero, Rio Grande and areas close to Salina Cruz. These events have put the local population on alert., who knows well that living in a seismic region It means always being prepared.
Magnitudes and locations of recent tremors
Between June 13 and 18, 2025, they have been detected several seismic movements of different magnitudes:
- On Friday, June 13, a 4.1 earthquake shook the area of Matias Romero, with epicenter about 60 km northeast of this municipality and a depth of 136.2 km.
- On June 15, an earthquake was reported 4.2 magnitude also northeast of Matías Romero, 55 km from the town, with a depth of 128.9 km.
- On June 16, the region of Rio Grande was the epicenter of a seismic movement of 4.0 magnitude, located 17 km northwest of the town and 23.4 km deep.
- That same day, another event of 4.7 shook the south of Salina Cruz, 91 km from the municipality and with a depth of 15 km.
- On June 18, a new case was detected movement of 4.0 southwest of Matías Romero, with the epicenter just 11 km away and a depth of 91 km.
- In addition, a recent report was made on a 5.0 earthquake southeast of Salina Cruz, at just 10 km depth.
In none of these cases have the authorities reported significant damage or casualties; however, vigilance and timely reporting remain essential.
What causes the constant earthquakes in Oaxaca?
The Mexican territory, and especially Oaxaca, is located in a zone of high tectonic activityThe country is located on the confluence of several plates: the North America, Cocos, Pacific, Riviera and the Caribbean SeaThis situation generates the accumulation and release of energy in the form of earthquakes, which are generally mild but can occasionally reach alarming magnitudes.
Experts stress that It is not possible to predict precisely when and where the next major earthquake will occur.Although technology allows seismic activity to be monitored in near real time, no method so far can reliably anticipate these movements.
Prevention and basic recommendations for earthquakes
Since earthquakes cannot be avoided or predicted, the best shield is prevention. Authorities recommend the population to keep an updated family emergency plan and know what to do before, during, and after an earthquake. Some important guidelines include:
- Before the earthquake: Develop a civil protection plan as a family, identify safe areas in your home, and participate in drills. Have a emergency backpack With water, food, a flashlight, medicine and key documents you can make a difference.
- during the earthquakeStay calm, take shelter under sturdy furniture, and stay away from windows and objects that could fall. If you're driving, stop your vehicle away from bridges and utility poles.
- After the earthquakeCheck the condition of your home, don't light matches until you've verified there are no gas leaks, and stay informed only through official sources.
Many Oaxacans have already internalized these tips, but it never hurts to practice and update them.
Seismic history of Oaxaca and major earthquakes
Oaxaca has been the scene of historic tremors that have marked the collective memory. On March 28, 1787, the most powerful earthquake recorded in Mexico until today, with an estimated magnitude of 8.6 and epicenter on the Oaxacan coast, an event that even caused a tsunami capable of advancing several kilometers inland.
Studies such as those carried out by the Seismic Instrumentation and Recording Center (Cires) warn that the region, especially the Guerrero Gap, continues to accumulate enough energy to generate large-magnitude earthquakes in the future, forcing the population to be on constant alert.
Other tragic events, though not unique to Oaxaca, such as the earthquakes of 1985 and 2017, reinforce the need to never let our guard down.
Keeping these historical lessons in mind, along with modern civil protection recommendations, allows the Oaxacan population to coexist with an unpredictable but not invincible nature, always with preparation and prudence.
The recent seismic activity in Oaxaca highlights the importance of maintaining a vigilant and responsible attitude toward earthquakes. Although most tremors have been of low or moderate intensity and without serious consequences, it never hurts to review our emergency plan and pay attention to communications from authorities. Living in a seismic zone means adapting, staying informed, and continuing to learn how to protect yourself and your loved ones.
