Written by on . Last updated December 3rd, 2024.

A shallow and significant M5.0 earthquake struck in the North Pacific Ocean 43 kilometer from Pinotepa Nacional, Mexico in the evening of Tuesday November 12th, 2024.

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Earthquake Summary

This earthquake hit under water in the North Pacific Ocean, right off the coast of Mexico (3 mi offshore), 43 kilometer west-southwest of Pinotepa Nacional in Oaxaca. The center of this earthquake had a very shallow depth of 13 km. Shallow earthquakes usually have a larger impact than earthquakes deep in the earth.

Date and Time: Nov 12, 2024 18:18 (Mexico City Time)
- Nov 13, 2024 00:18 Universal Time.
Location: 43 km WSW of Pinotepa Nacional, Oaxaca, Mexico.
Coordinates 16°14'5"N 98°26'28"W.
Map: Map of area around epicenter.
Map of area around epicenter. Click to open in Google Maps.
Magnitude: MAG 5.0
Detected by 28 stations. Maximum Error Range ±0.059 .
Depth: 13 km (8 mi)
A very shallow depth.
Tsunami Risk: Low tsunami risk
Earthquakes under MAG-6.5 do not usually cause tsunami's.
Always stay cautious - More info here.

Nearby towns and cities

This earthquake may have been felt in Mexico . Pinotepa Nacional in Oaxaca, Mexico is the nearest significant place from the epicenter. The earthquake occurred 43 kilometer (27 mi) west-southwest of Pinotepa Nacional.

Multiple large cities are in proximity of today's earthquake. Acapulco de Juárez is located 171 km to the west-northwest. Oaxaca is located 205 km to the east-northeast. Chilpancingo is located 185 km to the northwest.

An overview of nearby towns and cities is available in the overview below.

Overview of nearby places

Distance Place
43 km (27 mi)
ENE from epicenter
Pinotepa Nacional

Oaxaca, Mexico.
51 km (32 mi)
N from epicenter
Ometepec

Guerrero, Mexico.
107 km (66 mi)
NW from epicenter
Ayutla de los Libres

Guerrero, Mexico.
141 km (88 mi)
NE from epicenter
Heroica Ciudad de Tlaxiaco

Oaxaca, Mexico.
146 km (91 mi)
N from epicenter
Tlapa de Comonfort

Guerrero, Mexico.
151 km (94 mi)
ESE from epicenter
Puerto Escondido

Oaxaca, Mexico.
171 km (106 mi)
NNW from epicenter
Chilapa de Álvarez

Guerrero, Mexico.
171 km (106 mi)
WNW from epicenter
Acapulco de Juárez

Guerrero, Mexico.
180 km (112 mi)
NW from epicenter
Tixtla de Guerrero

Guerrero, Mexico.
185 km (115 mi)
NW from epicenter
Chilpancingo

Guerrero, Mexico.
189 km (117 mi)
NNE from epicenter
Ciudad de Huajuapan de León

Oaxaca, Mexico.
196 km (122 mi)
NW from epicenter
Zumpango del Río

Guerrero, Mexico.
197 km (122 mi)
E from epicenter
Miahuatlán de Porfirio Díaz

Oaxaca, Mexico.
198 km (123 mi)
ENE from epicenter
Ocotlán de Morelos

Oaxaca, Mexico.
202 km (126 mi)
ENE from epicenter
Santa María Atzompa

Oaxaca, Mexico.
202 km (126 mi)
ENE from epicenter
Santa Cruz Xoxocotlán

Oaxaca, Mexico.
205 km (127 mi)
ENE from epicenter
San Antonio de la Cal

Oaxaca, Mexico.
205 km (127 mi)
ENE from epicenter
Oaxaca

Oaxaca, Mexico.
223 km (139 mi)
N from epicenter
Acatlán de Osorio

Puebla, Mexico.
238 km (148 mi)
WNW from epicenter
Atoyac de Álvarez

Guerrero, Mexico.
249 km (155 mi)
NNW from epicenter
Ciudad de Huitzuco

Guerrero, Mexico.
252 km (157 mi)
E from epicenter
Crucecita

Oaxaca, Mexico.
254 km (158 mi)
N from epicenter
Axochiapan

Morelos, Mexico.
258 km (160 mi)
WNW from epicenter
Técpan de Galeana

Guerrero, Mexico.
262 km (163 mi)
NNW from epicenter
Iguala de la Independencia

Guerrero, Mexico.
263 km (163 mi)
N from epicenter
Izúcar de Matamoros

Puebla, Mexico.
266 km (165 mi)
NNE from epicenter
Zinacatepec

Puebla, Mexico.
267 km (166 mi)
NNE from epicenter
Altepexi

Puebla, Mexico.
269 km (167 mi)
NNE from epicenter
Ajalpan

Puebla, Mexico.
272 km (169 mi)
NNE from epicenter
Tehuacán

Puebla, Mexico.
276 km (171 mi)
NNW from epicenter
Jojutla

Morelos, Mexico.
278 km (173 mi)
NNW from epicenter
Tlaquiltenango

Morelos, Mexico.
281 km (175 mi)
NNW from epicenter
Zacatepec

Morelos, Mexico.
281 km (175 mi)
NNW from epicenter
Puente de Ixtla

Morelos, Mexico.
282 km (175 mi)
NNW from epicenter
Teloloapan

Guerrero, Mexico.
285 km (177 mi)
NNW from epicenter
Xoxocotla

Morelos, Mexico.
285 km (177 mi)
NNW from epicenter
Santa Rosa Treinta

Morelos, Mexico.
286 km (178 mi)
NNW from epicenter
Taxco de Alarcón

Guerrero, Mexico.
291 km (181 mi)
N from epicenter
Cuautla

Morelos, Mexico.
295 km (183 mi)
NNW from epicenter
Xochitepec

Morelos, Mexico.
297 km (185 mi)
N from epicenter
Atlixco

Puebla, Mexico.
298 km (185 mi)
N from epicenter
Yecapixtla

Morelos, Mexico.
Cities and Towns around the epicenter of this earthquake.

Shaking reported by 2 people

People that feel an earthquake may report their experience to the US Geographic Survey. Currently, 2 people have reported shaking in 2 places in Mexico.We keep updating this article as more ground reports become available. You may report that you felt this earthquake here.

Places with most reports:

  • Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico: 1 person.
  • Tlalnepantla, México, Mexico: 1 person.

18 Aftershocks detected

Since this main shock, 18 smaller aftershocks were detected. Just 1 day after this main shock, an earthquake measuring MAG-5 was detected 14 km (9 mi) west-northwest of this earthquake.

Before this earthquake struck, 13 smaller foreshocks occurred. Nearby this earthquake a foreshock struck 2 days earlier. It measured a magnitude of 4

Overview of foreshocks and aftershocks

Classification Magnitude When Where
Foreshock M 3.1 3 days earlier
Nov 10, 2024 03:22 (Mexico City Time)
21 km (13 mi)
SSE from Main Shock.
Foreshock M 3.2 3 days earlier
Nov 10, 2024 04:10 (Mexico City Time)
55 km (34 mi)
E from Main Shock.
Foreshock M 4.0 2 days earlier
Nov 10, 2024 10:51 (Mexico City Time)
94 km (58 mi)
E from Main Shock.
Foreshock M 3.0 2 days earlier
Nov 10, 2024 12:35 (Mexico City Time)
45 km (28 mi)
E from Main Shock.
Foreshock M 3.9 2 days earlier
Nov 10, 2024 12:50 (Mexico City Time)
37 km (23 mi)
WNW from Main Shock.
Foreshock M 3.3 2 days earlier
Nov 11, 2024 00:43 (Mexico City Time)
95 km (59 mi)
E from Main Shock.
Foreshock M 3.2 2 days earlier
Nov 11, 2024 00:47 (Mexico City Time)
94 km (58 mi)
E from Main Shock.
Foreshock M 3.2 2 days earlier
Nov 11, 2024 00:52 (Mexico City Time)
95 km (59 mi)
E from Main Shock.
Foreshock M 3.3 1 day earlier
Nov 11, 2024 10:36 (Mexico City Time)
45 km (28 mi)
NE from Main Shock.
Foreshock M 3.1 5 hrs earlier
Nov 12, 2024 13:41 (Mexico City Time)
100 km (62 mi)
E from Main Shock.
Foreshock M 3.6 4 hrs earlier
Nov 12, 2024 13:56 (Mexico City Time)
96 km (60 mi)
ESE from Main Shock.
Foreshock M 3.1 2 hrs earlier
Nov 12, 2024 16:29 (Mexico City Time)
98 km (61 mi)
E from Main Shock.
Foreshock M 3.6 2 hrs earlier
Nov 12, 2024 16:37 (Mexico City Time)
87 km (54 mi)
E from Main Shock.
Main Shock
This Earthquake
M 5.0 Nov 12, 2024 18:18
(Mexico City Time)
-
Aftershock M 4.4 2 mins later
Nov 12, 2024 18:20 (Mexico City Time)
44 km (27 mi)
SSW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 4.1 2 hrs later
Nov 12, 2024 20:06 (Mexico City Time)
28 km (17 mi)
SSW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 3.0 9 hrs later
Nov 13, 2024 03:33 (Mexico City Time)
38 km (24 mi)
SW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 3.7 21 hrs later
Nov 13, 2024 15:18 (Mexico City Time)
51 km (32 mi)
SSW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 4.1 1 day later
Nov 14, 2024 02:19 (Mexico City Time)
49 km (31 mi)
SW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 4.1 1 day later
Nov 14, 2024 02:21 (Mexico City Time)
54 km (34 mi)
SW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 5.0 1 day later
Nov 14, 2024 03:16 (Mexico City Time)
14 km (9 mi)
WNW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 3.7 1 day later
Nov 14, 2024 03:39 (Mexico City Time)
51 km (31 mi)
SW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 3.7 1 day later
Nov 14, 2024 03:53 (Mexico City Time)
42 km (26 mi)
SSW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 4.1 1 day later
Nov 14, 2024 04:19 (Mexico City Time)
50 km (31 mi)
SW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 3.7 1 day later
Nov 14, 2024 04:23 (Mexico City Time)
68 km (42 mi)
SSW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 3.5 1 day later
Nov 14, 2024 04:53 (Mexico City Time)
51 km (31 mi)
SW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 3.7 1 day later
Nov 14, 2024 04:54 (Mexico City Time)
52 km (32 mi)
SW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 4.0 2 days later
Nov 14, 2024 06:33 (Mexico City Time)
97 km (60 mi)
ESE from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 3.2 2 days later
Nov 14, 2024 14:46 (Mexico City Time)
100 km (62 mi)
NW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 3.4 2 days later
Nov 14, 2024 16:41 (Mexico City Time)
64 km (40 mi)
WNW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 3.8 2 days later
Nov 15, 2024 02:57 (Mexico City Time)
41 km (26 mi)
SW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 3.2 3 days later
Nov 15, 2024 13:43 (Mexico City Time)
41 km (25 mi)
N from Main Shock.
Detected MAG2.5+ earthquakes within within 100km (62 mi), that occurred in the three days before and after the main shock.

More earthquakes coming?

Earthquakes can create aftershocks. These are generally at least 1 magnitude lower than any main shock, and as time passes the chance and strength of aftershocks decreases.

The chance that a significant earthquake like this one is followed by an even larger earthquake is not so large. On average, scientists estimate a 94% chance that a major earthquake will not be followed by an even larger one. It is still adviced to be aware of this risk

Read: How to Stay Safe during an Earthquake (cdc.gov).

Earthquakes like this happen often in the region

Earthquakes of this strength are very common in the region. This is the strongest earthquake to hit since July 27th, 2024, when a 5.3 magnitude earthquake hit 180 km (112 mi) further west-northwest. An even stronger magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck on June 23rd, 2020.

In total, 54 earthquakes with a magnitude of 5 or higher have been registered within 300km (186 mi) of this epicenter in the past 10 years. This comes down to an average of once every 2 months.

Low tsunami risk

DISCLAIMER: We strongly suggest to closely monitor advice from local authorities with regards to tsunami risks. Our analysis is based on automatically collected data from external sources, and these might contain mistakes. In addition, earthquakes can cause landslides that may lead to a tsunami, or be a followed by another, potentially stonger, earthquake.

Based on early data it appears this earthquake was not strong enough (lower than MAG-6.5) to be likely to cause destructive tsunami's. However this earthquake appeared to have hit at a shallow depth under sea, so stay cautious and monitor advice from local authorities.

Tsunami Risk Factors

Factor Under Sea? MAG-6.5 or stronger? Shallow depth?
Explanation Almost all tsunami's are caused by earthquakes with their epicenter under sea or very near the sea. However stay cautious in coastal areas as earthquakes on land may cause landslides into sea, potentially still causing a local tsunami. Under MAG 6.5: Very unlikely to cause a tsunami.
MAG 6.5 to 7.5: Destructive tsunami's do occur, but are uncommon. Likely to observe small sea level changes.
MAG 7.6+: Earthquakes with these magnitudes might produce destructive tsunami's.
Most destructive tsunami's are caused by shallow earthquakes with a depth between 0 and 100km under the surface of the earth. Deeper tsunami's are unlikely to displace to ocean floor.
This Earthquake This earthquake appears to have struck under the sea. Not this earthquake.
This earthquake had a magnitude of 5. Earthquakes of this strength are unlikely to trigger a tsunami.
This earthquake occurred at a depth of of 13 km (8 mi). Earthquakes this shallow could trigger a tsunami.

Sources

Last updated 03/12/24 02:58 (). This article is automatically generated based on available data. We keep checking multiple sources for additional information. This article gets updated as new details on this earthquake become available.

  1. US Geographic Society (USGS): Earthquake us7000nrgf
  2. European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC): Earthquake 20241113_0000002
  3. Geonames.org: World Cities Database
  4. Google Maps: Static API
  5. Earthquakelist.org: Historic Earthquakes Database

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