An 8.1 magnitude earthquake struck off the southern coast of Mexico, with reports indicating shaking felt in the capital. The US Geological Survey confirmed the quake occurred 87 km southwest of Pijijiapan at a depth of 35 km. Initial reports varied, with some sources citing a magnitude of 8.2, but the USGS maintained the 8.1 figure. Following the earthquake, a tsunami threat for New Zealand was assessed, with small waves detected at the Chatham Islands and East Cape, though no evacuation orders were issued. Discussions included the cause of unusual lights observed after the quake, attributed to electrical system failures rather than a mysterious phenomenon. Additionally, the conversation touched on the historical context of Mexican earthquakes, noting that this event is often described as the largest in a century, despite a more devastating quake in 1985. The thread featured ongoing updates and insights from seismologists monitoring aftershocks and seismic activity related to the event.
