Over the past few days, the state of Oaxaca has once again become the center of attention due to the seismic activity recorded throughout June 2025. Several municipalities have experienced tremors which, although they have not caused material damage or casualties according to initial reports, have served as a reminder of the importance of being prepared for these types of natural phenomena.
The National Seismological Service (SSN) has confirmed several tremors, which were felt mainly in areas such as MatÃas Romero , RÃo Grande , and areas near Salina Cruz . These events have put the local population on alert , who know all too well that living in a seismic region means always being prepared.
Magnitudes and locations of recent tremors
Between June 13 and 18, 2025, several seismic movements of different magnitudes were detected:
- 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 MatÃas 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 MatÃas 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 activity . The country sits at the confluence of several plates: the North American, Cocos, Pacific, Rivera , and Caribbean plates . This situation generates the accumulation and release of energy in the form of earthquakes, which in most cases are mild but occasionally can reach alarming magnitudes.
Experts emphasize that it is not possible to accurately predict when or where the next major earthquake will occur . Although technology allows for near real-time monitoring of seismic activity, no method can yet reliably anticipate these events.
Prevention and basic recommendations for earthquakes
Since earthquakes cannot be prevented or predicted , the best protection is prevention. Authorities recommend that people keep their family emergency plan up to date and know how to act 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 site of historic earthquakes that have marked the collective memory. On March 28, 1787, the most powerful earthquake recorded in Mexico to date occurred, with an estimated magnitude of 8.6 and an epicenter on the Oaxacan coast, an event that even triggered a tsunami capable of traveling several kilometers inland.
Studies such as those carried out by the Center for Seismic Instrumentation and Recording (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 in 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.
