Seismic Alert to Sound in Mexico’s Eight Regions for Second National Drill

Seismic Alert to Sound in Mexico’s Eight Regions for Second National Drill

The Second National Drill: A Seismic Alert Across Eight Regions

In an effort to enhance earthquake preparedness, Mexico’s National Coordinator of Civil Protection, Laura Velázquez Alzúa, has announced that a seismic alert is scheduled to sound in eight regions of Mexico on September 19, as part of the activities for the Second National Drill. This initiative stems from Mexico’s commitment to reinforcing its emergency procedures, given the country’s history with devastating earthquakes.

The alarm will echo through loudspeakers and radio stations in various cities and municipalities, including Mexico City, the State of Mexico, Oaxaca, Puebla, Guerrero, Morelos, Michoacán, and Colima. The move aims not only to test the efficiency of the warning system but also to familiarize the public with the alert’s sound.

Unique Alarm Systems in Chiapas and Tlaxcala

However, it’s worth noting that the states of Chiapas and Tlaxcala employ a unique seismic alarm system that activates simultaneously with the occurrence of an earthquake. This system utilizes different technologies and is incompatible with the seismic alert system used in the aforementioned eight regions.

Preparation Recommendations for the Drill

Civil Protection advises citizens to be well-prepared for the drill. They recommend having a directory with emergency telephone numbers, a first aid kit, a flashlight, and a battery-operated radio. Additionally, important documents should be gathered and an emergency backpack should be prepared and kept within reach.

The Psychological Impact of Seismic Alerts

Despite the advantages of a seismic alert system, it’s important to recognize the psychological impact it can have on the population. Mexico is one of the few countries globally to have implemented such a system, a tool that has undoubtedly saved many lives. However, the phrase “seismic alert, seismic alert” can trigger fear, stress, and anxiety in many people, as it brings back memories of the significant earthquakes of 1985 and 2019.

Following the September 19 earthquake, some residents of Mexico City developed post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). To alleviate the stress induced by the seismic alert, experts recommend following certain guidelines. However, the specifics of these recommendations were not provided in the initial announcement.

Mexico’s Seismic Alert System: A Global Pioneer

The Mexican Seismic Alert System, or SASMEX, covers central and southern Mexico, providing up to 60 seconds of warning before an earthquake. It is administered by CIRES, a non-profit civil association, and serves several cities, including Mexico City, Acapulco, Chilpancingo, Morelia, Puebla City, Oaxaca City, Guadalajara, Colima, and Toluca.

SASMEX was developed in response to the devastating 1985 Mexico City earthquake, which prompted a national re-evaluation of earthquake and emergency preparedness measures. The system started operating in 1991 with 12 sensors and has been publicly available since 1993. In 2005, it was expanded to cover the state of Oaxaca, after it was struck by a Mw 7.4 earthquake in 1999.

Today, the SASMEX system includes 97 sensors, primarily along the coast from Puerto Vallarta south to the mountains of Guerrero, and across most of Oaxaca. The system is poised for further expansion, with the development of an additional 28 sensors that would expand monitoring capabilities in Oaxaca’s Isthmus region, inland portions of Veracruz, and western Chiapas.

A Historic Date: Remembering the 1985 and 2017 Earthquakes

September 19 holds a significant place in Mexico’s history due to two devastating earthquakes that occurred on this date. In 1985, a magnitude 8.0 earthquake, considered the deadliest in Mexican history, struck the country, causing significant loss of life and property. Then, on the same date in 2017, a magnitude 7.1 earthquake hit again, causing extensive damage in Mexico City and nearby cities and resulting in the deaths of around 370 people.

Every year on September 19, an earthquake drill takes place in many cities across Mexico in remembrance of the 1985 earthquake. This annual drill serves as both a tribute to those who lost their lives and a practical exercise to ensure better preparedness for future seismic events.