The 2017 Puebla earthquake in Mexico had a magnitude of 7.1. It struck on September 19, 2017, at 13:14 local time, with its epicenter near the Puebla–Morelos border, southeast of Axochiapan in Morelos state.
The earthquake occurred on the anniversary of the devastating 1985 Mexico City earthquake, which made the timing especially shocking for residents. Strong shaking lasted about 20 seconds, although many people experienced the overall motion as longer. Mexico City, roughly 120 kilometers from the epicenter, suffered major structural damage, including the collapse or partial collapse of numerous buildings.
A common mix-up is confusing this event with the 8.2-magnitude Chiapas earthquake that struck Mexico earlier in September 2017. The Puebla earthquake was smaller but particularly destructive because of its shallow depth, proximity to populated areas, and the vulnerability of some buildings. The USGS reported severe shaking in affected areas, while post-earthquake surveys recorded violent intensity near the epicentral region.