Recent earthquakes near Mexico City
Mexico City sits far from the plate boundary, but it is built on the soft clay of a former lakebed that dramatically amplifies and prolongs earthquake shaking from distant sources. Large subduction earthquakes off the Pacific coast, some 300 km away, can therefore cause severe damage in the city. The 1985 Michoacán earthquake exposed this vulnerability, and a 2017 event struck closer inland. In the past 24 hours, Mexico City has recorded no earthquakes above the reporting threshold.
Counts include M2.5+ events — the smallest size USGS reports consistently worldwide.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Mexico City so vulnerable to earthquakes?
Much of Mexico City rests on the soft sediments of the drained Lake Texcoco. These clays amplify seismic waves and make the ground shake far longer than solid rock, so even distant earthquakes can cause intense, prolonged shaking in the basin.
Where do Mexico City's earthquakes come from?
Most damaging shaking comes from large subduction earthquakes off the Pacific coast, hundreds of kilometres to the southwest. Closer intraslab earthquakes, such as the 2017 Puebla event, can also strike beneath the region.
What was the biggest earthquake to hit Mexico City?
The September 19, 1985 magnitude 8.0 Michoacán earthquake, though centred offshore, killed thousands in Mexico City through lakebed amplification. Exactly 32 years later, the 2017 Puebla earthquake (M7.1) again caused deadly building collapses.
Nearby regions
Live data from the USGS earthquake feeds. Magnitudes and depths are automated readings and may be revised. Not for emergency use.