Shallow 6.5 magnitude earthquake strikes Gulf of California

October 19, 2013 – CALIFRONIA – A moderate 6.5 magnitude earthquake struck off the western coast of Mexico, 90 kilometers southwest of Huatabampo in Sonora state, the US Geological Survey reported. The epicenter of the quake was 10 kilometers deep in the Gulf of California, USGS said. There is no information yet concerning the casualties. The quake was initially reported to have reached a magnitude of 6.8, but was later downgraded to 6.5 by USGS. A tsunami warning has not been issued. Over 138,300 people live within 100 kilometers from the epicenter of the earthquake, according to the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System (GDACS). Mexico is located atop three large tectonic plates and is one of the world’s most seismically active regions. On August 21, two strong 6.0 magnitude quakes hit central and southern Mexico, causing extensive damage. One of the earthquakes affected the capital of Mexico City and the resort city of Acapulco, prompting the evacuation of hundreds of people. Numerous injuries were reported. The country’s deadliest natural disaster occurred in September 1985 when an 8.1 magnitude earthquake killed more than 9,500 people in Mexico City. –RT