2017 Chiapas earthquake facts for kids
.jpg) |
|
 |
|
| UTC time | 2017-09-08 04:49:19 |
|---|---|
| ISC event | 611600536 |
| USGS-ANSS | ComCat |
| Local date | 7 September 2017 |
| Local time | 23:49:21 CDT |
| Magnitude | 8.2 Mw |
| Depth | 50.1 km (31.1 mi) |
| Epicenter | 15°04′05″N 93°42′54″W / 15.068°N 93.715°W |
| Type | Dip-slip (normal) |
| Areas affected | Mexico, Guatemala |
| Max. intensity | IX (Violent) |
| Tsunami | Yes |
| Aftershocks | 3,831 |
| Casualties | 98 dead, 300+ injured |
The 2017 Chiapas earthquake was a very strong earthquake that shook parts of Mexico and Guatemala. It happened on September 7, 2017, late at night. This quake was one of the strongest earthquakes ever recorded in Mexico.
Contents
What is an Earthquake?
An earthquake is what happens when two large sections of the Earth's outer layer, called tectonic plates, suddenly slip past each other. This sudden movement releases a lot of energy, which travels through the ground as seismic waves. These waves make the ground shake.
How Earthquakes Happen
The Earth's surface is like a giant puzzle made of many pieces, or plates. These plates are always moving, but very slowly. Sometimes, they get stuck at their edges, called fault lines. When the stress builds up too much, the plates suddenly break free and move, causing an earthquake.
The 2017 Chiapas Earthquake
The 2017 Chiapas earthquake was a very powerful event. It measured 8.2 on the Moment magnitude scale, which is a way to measure how strong an earthquake is. The deeper an earthquake is, the less shaking it might cause on the surface. This earthquake happened about 50 kilometers (31 miles) deep.
Where the Earthquake Struck
The earthquake's center, called the epicenter, was off the coast of Chiapas, a state in southern Mexico. It was also felt strongly in Guatemala, a country south of Mexico. Because it was so powerful, people felt the shaking hundreds of miles away, even in Mexico City.
What Happened After the Quake?
The earthquake caused a lot of damage, especially in towns closer to the epicenter. Sadly, 98 people died, and more than 300 people were hurt. Many buildings were damaged or destroyed.
Aftershocks and Tsunamis
After a big earthquake, smaller earthquakes called aftershocks can happen. These are like smaller shakes as the Earth settles down. After the Chiapas earthquake, there were over 3,800 aftershocks!
A tsunami is a series of very large ocean waves caused by big earthquakes under the sea. This earthquake did cause a small tsunami, but it was not as destructive as some others.
Help After the Earthquake
After the earthquake, people and governments worked together to help those affected. Enrique Peña Nieto, who was the President of Mexico at the time, visited the damaged areas to see what was needed. Many people helped their neighbors and communities recover.
Images for kids
-
People outside a hotel in Mexico City a few minutes after the earthquake
-
President Enrique Peña Nieto inspecting damage to a home in Juchitán, Oaxaca
See also
In Spanish: Terremoto de Chiapas de 2017 para niños
