PUERTO VALLARTA (PVDN) – Two significant earthquakes, with magnitudes of 5.8 and 5.9, were recorded off the coast of Jalisco and shook Puerto Vallarta today. However, officials have confirmed no significant effects or damage in the area.
The first of the quakes struck at 9:53 a.m., 147 km west of Cihuatlán, at a depth of 10 km. A mere 40 minutes later, a second tremor was detected close to the initial quake’s epicenter. Initial assessments suggested it might have been an aftershock, but it was later confirmed to be a distinct earthquake of even greater intensity.
Civil Protection authorities acted swiftly after the initial tremor. Official buildings, schools, the International Airport, and several hotels in the tourist strip of Puerto Vallarta underwent evacuations. Gerardo Castillón Andrade, head of Civil Protection in Puerto Vallarta, alongside his state counterpart, Adrián Bobadilla García, oversaw these measures.
Following the second earthquake, authorities once again carried out evacuations and property evaluations. By the afternoon, it was confirmed that neither of the quakes resulted in human injuries or structural damage.
“It’s a testament to our preparedness and the efficiency of our response teams,” said Andrade. “But nature’s unpredictability means we must always remain vigilant.”
In light of the seismic activities, the municipal government of Puerto Vallarta temporarily suspended its operations. Additionally, several schools saw parents arriving to pick up their children as a precaution.
Authorities are still advising residents and tourists to be aware of potential aftershocks and to familiarize themselves with local emergency procedures. While the region was fortunate this time, preparation and awareness remain vital in ensuring the safety of all inhabitants.
