South American earthquakes do not affect Mexico, expert says

Earthquakes in Venezuela and Colombia do not pose a threat to Mexico's seismic activity, as they originate from distinct tectonic systems, explained Omar Cristian Chávez Hernández, a seismology specialist at the National Polytechnic Institute (IPN).

Chávez Hernández, a researcher at the Superior School of Engineering and Architecture (ESIA), stated that in Colombia, the Nazca plate subducts beneath the South American plate, leading to potential fracturing and seismic events. He noted that Colombia experiences constant seismic activity, while Chile ranks among the world's most seismically active regions, with a history of magnitude 9+ earthquakes.

Given the human and material losses from South American tremors, Chávez Hernández highlighted Mexico's valuable experience in areas like alert systems, prevention, civil protection, and constructing more resilient housing and buildings. He pointed to Mexico's Seismic Alert System (SASMEX) as a national strength, suggesting its knowledge could bolster prevention programs in South American countries.

The ESIA coordinator also suggested that Mexico could contribute by evaluating risks and identifying urban vulnerabilities. He stressed that disasters are not solely caused by natural events but also by human factors such as settlement choices, construction methods, and the absence of prevention plans and soil studies. Following the 1985 and 2017 earthquakes, Mexico enhanced its construction plans and standards, but Chávez Hernández warned that continuous updates are crucial for ensuring safer new constructions.

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Los sismos registrados en Venezuela y Colombia no tienen incidencia en la actividad sísmica de México, debido a que corresponden a sistemas tectónicos distintos.