May 15, 1714 Earthquake: Oaxaca, Veracruz, Mexico

1714 May 5 destructive in Oaxaca. Also lists earthquake on 1714 February 16 in Cordoba, Veracruz (reference #1195)

1714 May 5 Mexico, Cordoba and Orizaba in Vera Cruz, Oaxaca (reference #1055)

1714 May 15. This earthquake caused extensive damage in the city of Oaxaca, damaging several churches, including the Cathedral, San Francisco, San Pablo, Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe and the Colegio de la Compania. In fact, it is reported that after the survey it was decided to demolish the cathedral and build it again. Significant damage is also reported in many houses. In Orizaba and Cordoba, Veracruz, there is talk of major damage, but sources do not give details. Interpretation by the Instituto de Geofisica: The sources that report this earthquake make one of the most detailed descriptions of damage reported in the 18th century. The descriptions of the damage and effects of the earthquake are limited to the city of Oaxaca and there are only a few references to damage in the cities of Cordoba and Orizaba, Ver. In Cordoba, the earthquake destroyed the convent of San Antonio. The reports of Martinez, Romero and Figueroa are dated May 5; it is very probable that it is the same tremor reported in documents of the General Archive of the Indies on the 15th of the same month, and here they are interpreted as referring to the same earthquake. The damage reported in Oaxaca suggests that it is an earthquake with a relatively close epicenter and not coming from the coast. Likewise, the damage reports in Cordoba and Orizaba, as well as in the Cañada region indicate a probable earthquake of intermediate depth with epicenter near the city of Oaxaca. Comparing the damage with other recent events, such as those of 1973 and 1980, the estimated magnitude is at least 6.5. (reference #13024)