Recent earthquakes in Mexico
Mexico's Pacific coast marks where the Cocos and Rivera plates subduct beneath the North American Plate along the Middle America Trench, driving most of the country's large earthquakes. Baja California to the northwest is split by the Gulf of California's spreading and transform faults. The 1985 Michoacán earthquake (M8.0) devastated Mexico City hundreds of kilometres from its offshore source. In the past 24 hours, Mexico has recorded 1 earthquake, the largest an M4.2 (57 km SSW of Ocós, Guatemala).
Counts include M2.5+ events — the smallest size USGS reports consistently worldwide.
Recent earthquakes
| Magnitude | Time (UTC) | Depth | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| M4.2 | Sep 12, 08:17 UTC | 35 km | 57 km SSW of Ocós, Guatemala |
| M4.2 | Sep 11, 05:44 UTC | 10 km | 102 km SW of Brisas Barra de Suchiate, Mexico |
| M4.5 | Sep 10, 13:29 UTC | 10 km | 84 km SW of Puerto Madero, Mexico |
| M3.1 | Sep 10, 09:42 UTC | 7 km | 22 km E of Dilley, Texas |
| M4.4 | Sep 10, 06:08 UTC | 10 km | 103 km SW of Puerto Madero, Mexico |
| M4.3 | Sep 9, 21:08 UTC | 35 km | 79 km SW of Puerto Madero, Mexico |
| M4.8 | Sep 6, 18:46 UTC | 10 km | 39 km SW of Copala, Mexico |
| M5.3 | Sep 6, 02:56 UTC | 10 km | 108 km SW of Puerto Madero, Mexico |
Notable recent activity
A moderate M5.3 earthquake struck 108 km SW of Puerto Madero, Mexico at 02:56 UTC on Sep 6 at a depth of 10 km.
An M4.8 earthquake struck 39 km SW of Copala, Mexico at 18:46 UTC on Sep 6 at a depth of 10 km.
An M4.5 earthquake struck 84 km SW of Puerto Madero, Mexico at 13:29 UTC on Sep 10 at a depth of 10 km.
Frequently asked questions
Why does Mexico have earthquakes?
Along Mexico's Pacific coast the Cocos and Rivera plates subduct beneath North America, producing large offshore megathrust and intraslab earthquakes. In the northwest, Baja California is being rifted apart along the Gulf of California fault system.
How often do earthquakes hit Mexico?
Mexico records thousands of small earthquakes a year and a major event every few years, concentrated along the southern Pacific states of Guerrero, Oaxaca, and Chiapas. September has coincidentally hosted several of its largest quakes.
What was the biggest earthquake in Mexico?
The September 7, 2017 Chiapas earthquake, magnitude 8.2, is the largest recorded in Mexico in over a century. The September 19, 1985 Michoacán earthquake (M8.0) was the most destructive, killing thousands in Mexico City.
Nearby regions
Live data from the USGS earthquake feeds. Magnitudes and depths are automated readings and may be revised. Not for emergency use.