Mexico Earthquake 2010: 5.7 Magnitude Quake Hits Oaxaca, Mexico

Residents of Oaxaca, Mexico have been shaken by an earthquake that reached a height of 6.2 on the Richter scale. Oaxaca was hit by the earthquake at around 2:30 am.

The capital of Mexico (Mexico City) felt minor tremors even though the distance between the two destinations is around 220 miles. Nonetheless these tremors were enough to wake the majority of residents situated in Mexico City.

The earthquake epicenter was 75 miles outside of Oaxaca itself, which was fortunate, as it is believed that the damage would have been much greater if the epicenter struck nearer the city of Oaxaca. The epicenter struck in a mountainous area, and people from the nearest small town have said that it was exceptionally strong, but reiterated the point that nobody had been hurt.

Fortunately, so far, there has not been one report of a serious injury or any lasting damages caused to any of the buildings or roads in Oaxaca. The civil defense department has released a statement to the press, which informed them that they have no contact from any residence.

These earthquakes of this magnitude are not uncommon in Mexico as Mexico lies on the meeting of continental tectonic plates. Just as recently as February the area of Oaxaca had been struck by an earthquake which registered 5.7 on the Richter scale.

The most serious earthquake in recent history registered at 7.6, where roughly 27 people died, and hundreds of small towns and villages where left in ruins.

Tags: Mexico