The center of the quake was 59 kilometers south of Coalcoman in the state of Michoacán on the Pacific coast, according to the National Seismological Institute. Initially, the institute had given the strength as 7.4, then later at 7.7. According to authorities, one person was injured in the state of Michoacán.
The tremors were also felt in Mexico City. However, no major damage was reported from there. An earthquake drill had just ended in the Mexican capital half an hour before the earthquake. The residents immediately left their homes.
“We thought that can’t be true! But it is. It’s impressive that the earth is shaking so hard again today,” said 37-year-old Karina Suárez in the center of the capital.
On the anniversary of the two major earthquakes of September 19, 1985 and 2017, the authorities in Mexico City regularly hold an earthquake drill. On September 19, 1985, an 8.1 magnitude tremor in Mexico City killed more than 10,000 people and destroyed hundreds of buildings. On September 19, 2017, a 7.1 magnitude earthquake killed around 370 people, most in the capital.
In view of these coincidences, the Seismological Institute felt compelled to emphasize that this was pure “coincidence”. “There is no scientific reason for it.” Mexico City Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum also said there was no scientific evidence that “September 19 is a special day for earthquakes.”
Some residents of the capital were nevertheless suspicious. “It’s a lot of coincidences! I think it could be a sign from God,” said 57-year-old Federico García.
According to his spokeswoman, Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier should travel to Mexico on Tuesday. In addition to political talks, meetings with representatives of German business are planned.
