Massive Earthquake Rocks Mexico City
March 26, 2013
A large earthquake ripped through Mexico City early Tuesday, rattling buildings and sending thousands of locals and visitors fleeing into the streets. Though initial reports from the Mexico Seismology Service labeled the quake, which was centered around 11 miles southwest of Santiago Pinotepa Nacional, at a 5.9 magnitude, the temblor has since been downgraded to a 5.5.
The quake shook many buildings in Mexico City, but reports of damage have been modest. Staff members at the Hotel Palacio Borghese in Oaxaca claim the building's alarm systems were set off, though NBC news reports that guests and staff claim not to have noticed the shaking.
Much of the region is particularly susceptible to earthquakes due to the land's uniquely soft soil and geological makeup. This particular type of earthquake, which struck an estimated 20.5 miles beneath the ground, is known to affect wide swath's of land, though in relatively weak terms.
The U.S. Geological Survey reported a second quake hitting near the same spot shortly after the first. This temblor ranked a 5.1 magnitude on the Richter scale.
When natural disasters like earthquakes strike, it would be wise to invest in international calling cards that will allow travelers to keep in touch with their loved ones back home.