The 1973 Veracruz earthquake, also known as El Terremoto de Orizaba, occurred at 3:50 a.m. local time (9:50 GMT) on August 28, 1973, with the epicenter located in the vicinity of Ciudad Serdán in the Mexican state of Puebla.

The area that was damaged in Veracruz is tropical and mountainous; the Pico de Orizaba, Mexico's tallest peak, is located there.

The earthquake occurred during the rainy season, with heavy rain coming down before and after the event making search and rescue difficult.

Ciudad Serdán is located in the rain shadow of the mountainous area and has a more arid climate.

[7] There was extensive damage, leaving hundreds dead and widespread devastation, in several cities in Puebla.