Puerto Vallarta (PVDN) – A 4.6 magnitude earthquake was recorded off the coast of Puerto Vallarta in the early morning hours of Friday.
According to preliminary information from the National Seismological Service (SSN), the earthquake occurred today at 0:53 local time (6:53 UTC), with an epicenter 344 km southwest of Puerto Vallarta.
The earthquake activity in Puerto Vallarta can be attributed to its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a horseshoe-shaped zone around the Pacific Ocean characterized by frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. The region’s seismicity is primarily caused by the interaction between the North American Plate and the Rivera Plate, a smaller tectonic plate lying beneath the Pacific Ocean. The convergence of these plates creates a subduction zone, where the Rivera Plate is forced beneath the North American Plate, resulting in significant strain and a release of energy in the form of earthquakes.
Over the years, Puerto Vallarta has experienced several notable earthquakes that have left a lasting impact on its infrastructure and population. One of the most significant events occurred on June 3, 1932, when an earthquake with a magnitude of 8.1 struck off the coast of Jalisco, causing widespread destruction and prompting the implementation of stricter building codes. Another major event occurred on October 9, 1995, when a 7.6 magnitude earthquake hit the region, resulting in damages to buildings and infrastructure, but thankfully, no casualties.
The most recent earthquake of significance in Puerto Vallarta was a 7.5 earthquake in Michoacán that caused minor damage in the city. on September 19, 2022.
