M3.8 Earthquake – OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
A minor magnitude 3.8 earthquake struck near OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO at a shallow crustal depth of 19.0 km, releasing seismic energy equivalent to approximately 8 tons of TNT. Tracked live on Earthquake Today, here is the verified EMSC telemetry, interactive epicenter map, and ground shaking assessment.
Seismic Telemetry Specifications
3.8M
Minor Seismic Class
19.0km
Crustal Layer
14.070° N, 92.670° W
GPS Coordinates
8 tons
TNT Equivalent Power
EMSC
EMSC-CSEM Network
Epicenter Location & Tectonic Fault Map
Is This Earthquake Dangerous?
A magnitude 3.8 event is classified as a minor earthquake. Often felt by people indoors, especially on upper floors. Hanging objects may swing slightly; structural damage is extremely rare.
Estimated Shaking Across Nearby Communities
Felt by almost no one except under extraordinarily favorable conditions.
Did You Feel This Earthquake?
Help seismologists and community members map real-world ground shaking near Mexico.
Your immediate response verifies shaking boundaries and helps ground-truth instrumental models.
What Does Magnitude 3.8 Mean?
Earthquake strength is measured on a logarithmic scale. Compare this event with the full seismic scale:
Logarithmic Energy Multiplier
Because seismic scales are logarithmic, each whole integer increase represents:
Why Did This Earthquake Happen?
Southern and central Mexico lies directly above the Middle America Trench, where the oceanic Cocos and Rivera plates subduct beneath the North American Plate. This active subduction margin produces frequent intermediate and megathrust seismic events.
Originating at a depth of 19.0 km (Earth's Crust (0–70 km)), this rupture occurred occurred within the brittle upper crust. shallow earthquakes produce the highest peak ground acceleration and the sharpest surface shaking.
Aftershock Outlook & Secondary Tremors
Seismologists note that minor aftershocks remain common in the 24 to 48 hours following tremors of magnitude 3.8. According to statistical seismic models, there is roughly a 5% probability of a subsequent event of equal or greater strength occurring in the same fault zone. Residents in Mexico are advised to check living spaces for unsecured items.
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Earthquake Safety Action Plan
Complete Safety Guide →- •Drop, Cover, and Hold On: Take cover beneath a sturdy table or desk.
- •Stay indoors away from exterior glass windows and heavy unanchored fixtures.
- •If outdoors, move into an open area away from power lines and building facades.
- •Inspect utilities for damaged gas lines, water leaks, or electrical hazards.
- •Expect Aftershocks: Secondary tremors frequently strike after significant events.
- •Avoid damaged structures and listen to official emergency broadcasts.
- •Maintain a 72-hour emergency go-bag with water, food, and first aid.
- •Anchor heavy furniture, water heaters, and appliances to structural studs.
- •Establish a family emergency communication protocol and meeting point.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions and answers about this earthquake.
No. No tsunami warning, watch, or advisory was issued by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) or the USGS for this M3.8 event. The focal depth (19.0 km) and magnitude did not generate sufficient vertical seafloor displacement to trigger a hazardous tsunami wave.
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