Saturday, February 4, 2023 | 9:00 a.m.
Once again, the inhabitants and tourists who are in Mendoza experienced a moment of tension due to an unexpected tremor that occurred this Friday around 11:00 p.m. According to what was reported by the National Institute for Seismic Prevention (INPRES), it was a 4.7 earthquake on the Richter scale.
While many enjoyed Friday night, an earthquake generated an alert because it was felt with great intensity in a large part of Mendoza. Official data from INPRES indicate that the epicenter took place 36 kilometers northwest of the City of Mendoza and 21 kilometers from the town of Uspallata. In addition, it was 15 kilometers deep.
Although the epicenter occurred in Mendoza, the magnitude was such that the earthquake was also felt in some cities in the province of San Juan. In other words, the tremor was felt almost 150 kilometers from the place where it started.
From the data issued by INPRES; Before the 4.7 earthquake on the Richter scale, more precisely at 8:23 p.m., there was a 2.5-magnitude earthquake, so it did not affect the territory superficially.
A few minutes after the tremor was felt, many people alerted the situation through social networks, where they expressed their surprise at the phenomenon that often occurs frequently in the Cuyo region but is unknown above all to tourists. Despite the intensity with which the earthquake was perceived, no material damage or inconvenience caused by the tremor was detected in the first minutes.
Although no injuries or damages were reported, the authorities began a survey to certify said situation and thus have greater precision about possible consequences; especially since the earthquake was felt in various sectors of Greater Mendoza.
In fact, the INPRES indicated that the intensity was medium to moderate in the City of Mendoza, Godoy Cruz, Luján de Cuyo, Las Heras, and Potrerillos, so that in these sectors the possible effects consist of the fall of hanging objects, movement of liquids and doors. In addition, it was detailed that the intensity in the Rivadavia sector was weak so that one of the possible consequences is that hanging objects move or that the earthquake is perceived by “some people at rest.”
What to do in case of an earthquake
Given that Mendoza is within the region where the greatest seismic activity usually occurs, the government of said province recommended that during a phenomenon of this characteristic, calm be maintained to avoid panic, execute the planned Family Action Plan without distraction, take shelter in safe areas (under beams and columns), move away from objects that could fall and adopt a lateral safety position, on the right side of the body and with both hands on the sides of the head (fetal position).
In addition, it was remarked that people should not rush to leave since the earthquake tends to last a few seconds, wait for the movement to end, to start the evacuation, if possible close the gas taps, cut off the light, do not use matches or lighters, protect yourself in the previously indicated place, collaborate with an injured colleague, evacuate as quickly as possible avoiding an accident and if possible, leave with personal belongings: wallet, coat.
After the earthquake occurred, it was recommended to take the emergency backpack, check for injuries, fires or leaks of any kind and if so, call 911, use the telephone only for emergencies, listen to the radio for information, if it is necessary to evacuate the property, do it calmly, meet with the family in a previously agreed place (park or square), be prepared for possible aftershocks, stay away from damaged buildings, and do not consume tap water as it may be contaminated.
