Mexico/Guatemala: No casualties reported from 6.6-magnitude quake Feb. 1 /update 1

Event

A 6.6-magnitude earthquake struck some 14 km (9 mi) east-northeast of Puerto Madero (Chiapas state), near Tapachula and the Mexican-Guatemalan border, on the morning (local time) of Friday, February 1. The earthquake was reportedly felt in Mexico City, Guatemala, and as far away as El Salvador. While some damages were reported in Suchiate (Chiapas state) and Quetzaltenango (Guatemala), as well as mudslides and rockslides in affected areas, the earthquake did not cause casualties or serious damages. Aftershocks are possible in the area over the coming hours and days.

Context

Earthquakes are common in Mexico, which is located along the seismically active Pacific "Ring of Fire." Notably, an 8.2-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Chiapas state in September 2017, leaving nearly 100 people dead, hundreds of others injured, and causing material damages.

Advice

In the event of further earthquakes and aftershocks, individuals should protect themselves as much as possible from falling debris if indoors (e.g. under a table), to move away from windows and exterior walls (ideally in a corner), and to not attempt to leave the building unless there is an immediate danger. If outdoors, move away from tall buildings, utility wires, and streetlights.