A strong earthquake of magnitude 6.1 surprised central Mexico in the early hours of this Sunday. The epicenter was located 29 kilometers southwest of Coalcomán, in Michoacán, and affected several areas, including Mexico City, according to the National Seismological Service (SSN).
The Earthquake and Its Aftershocks
EARTHQUAKE Magnitude 6.1 Location 47 km southwest of COALCOMAN, MICH 12/01/25 02:32:53 Lat 18.49 Lon -103.49 Depth 30 km pic.twitter.com/kb0rKRsWuM
— National Seismological Service (@SSNMexico) January 12, 2025
The earthquake occurred at 2:32 a.m., and several aftershocks were quickly detected. The first, with a magnitude of 4.0, occurred at 2:45 a.m., followed by another one of 5.1 at 03:18 a.m. By 8:00 a.m., a total of 311 aftershocks had been recorded, with the strongest being magnitude 4.5.
How the Earthquake Was Felt
Did it shake, or have I had too much wine? Because everything seems to be moving in Guadalajara #Temblor #Sismo @Trafico_ZMG @GNocturnaMX pic.twitter.com/EZdJcGKgqJ
— M G C (@Mario_gdl82) January 12, 2025
According to the National Civil Protection Coordination (CNPC), the earthquake was felt most strongly in Manzanillo, Colima, where it was experienced as moderate to strong. It was also felt more lightly in areas such as Apatzingán, Uruapan, Pátzcuaro in Michoacán, and several cities in Jalisco and Mexico City. In total, the earthquake affected several states including Nayarit, Guerrero, and Oaxaca.
Reactions from Governors and Authorities
The governor of Michoacán, Alfredo Ramírez Bedolla, reassured the public by stating that no major damages were reported and that constant monitoring was being conducted with Civil Protection. He also urged citizens to remain calm.
Meanwhile, Claudia Sheinbaum, President of Mexico City, shared that emergency protocols had been activated and that, up to that point, there were no reports of significant incidents. Clara Brugada, head of the Mexico City government, also confirmed that the city’s emergency services reported no damage, meaning there were no issues.
After the earthquake of magnitude 6.1 with its epicenter southwest of Coalcomán, Michoacán, representatives of the National Emergency Committee report no news and begin review protocols.
— Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo (@Claudiashein) January 12, 2025
The Secretary of Citizen Security, Pablo Vázquez Camacho, indicated that no damages were found after conducting an aerial inspection with the Condors and police patrols.
After the activation of the seismic alert and the aerial inspection by the #Cóndores and police patrols from @SSC_CDMX in #CDMX, no damage or impact have been reported. We continue to monitor. https://t.co/auCiUIc589 pic.twitter.com/Bo4OX6NCdZ
— Pablo Vázquez Camacho (@PabloVazC) January 12, 2025
Services in Mexico City
The Mexico City Collective Transportation System (Metro) activated its safety protocols after the seismic alert, but no issues were reported. Also, the Electric Transportation Service of Mexico City inspected the light rail and trolleybus network without significant problems. The Nochebús service continued operating as usual.
State Authorities
Governors from other states also reported on the situation. In Jalisco, Governor Pablo Lemus confirmed that after activating safety protocols, no damages were reported. Indira Vizcaino, Governor of Colima, reassured the public, mentioning that Civil Protection staff was conducting patrols in all 10 municipalities of the state along with the National Guard.
In Oaxaca, Governor Salomón Jara also reported a clean slate, activating protocols across all eight regions of the state with no major damages recorded.
Videos on Social Media
After the earthquake, several users on social media shared videos showing how they felt the tremor in different parts of the country.
🇲🇽 | NOW: The strong earthquake registered early this Sunday woke people up in various neighborhoods of Mexico City:
pic.twitter.com/Cxs74ohRqC— Alerta News 24 (@AlertaNews24) January 12, 2025
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings