Early this morning a powerful earthquake hit a vast area of Mexico for an extended period of time. The epicenter of the quake was estimated to be near Técpan, near the coast, in the state of Guerrero, which is approximately 180 miles southwest of Mexico City. The Mexican Seismological Institute estimated the magnitude to be 7.0.
This was one of the most forceful earthquakes to have hit Mexico in the past few years. Damage is still being estimated, with authorities seeking those with injuries. In many areas, cell phone service was disrupted.
Thirty years ago another quake that hit the capital was so strong (8.1 magnitude) that it destroyed a large portion of the capital, and killed in excess of 10,000 people. According to authorities, since that time, safeguards have been set up to prevent such extensive damage.
Mexico is a largely Christian country, and today is Good Friday, the day that Jesus was nailed to the cross, and is observed widely throughout the world. Mayor Miguel Angel Mancerra of Mexico City was conducting a news conference for the occasion when the earthquake shook the ground.
In response to the potential danger, the Mayor issued a series of “protocols” throughout the Mexican capital. This included the dispatch of helicopters in order to survey neighbors identified as highly vulnerable to earthquakes.
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