Strong and shallow M6.3 earthquake hits off the coast of Chiapas, Mexico

A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.3 hit off the coast of Chiapas, southern Mexico at 04:27 UTC on November 20, 2019 (22:27 LT, November 19). The agency is reporting a depth of 26 km (16 miles). EMSC is reporting M6.3 at a depth of 60 km (37 miles).

The epicenter was located 112 km (70 miles) SW of Puerto Madero and 115 km (72 miles) WSW of Brisas Barra de Suchiate, Mexico.

There are no people living within 100 km (62 miles).

1 318 000 people are estimated to have felt light shaking.

The USGS issued a green alert for shaking-related fatalities and economic losses. There is a low likelihood of casualties and damage.

Overall, the population in this region resides in structures that are a mix of vulnerable and earthquake-resistant construction. The predominant vulnerable building types are mud wall and adobe block with concrete bond beam construction.

Recent earthquakes in this area have caused secondary hazards such as landslides that might have contributed to losses.

Estimated population exposure to earthquake shaking

Selected cities exposed

Regional seismicity

Featured image credit: Google, TW/SAM