Ciudad Juárez is gearing up for its first municipal earthquake drill, set to take place on Friday, March 28, 2025, at 11:00 AM. The drill, organized by the Civil Protection Department, aims to enhance community preparedness for seismic events, inviting residents to participate from their homes or workplaces.
Sergio Rodríguez, the head of the Civil Protection Department, emphasized the importance of this exercise, stating, "An earthquake can occur at any moment and affect us both at work and at home. That’s why it’s essential for all families to participate and learn how to act correctly in these situations." The drill will simulate an earthquake with a magnitude of 8.0, prompting the community to evacuate to designated safe points.
At 11:00 AM, residents will be urged to interrupt their activities and evacuate their spaces for an estimated duration of five to ten minutes. To signal the start of the drill, the Public Security Secretariat will activate patrol car sirens throughout the city, encouraging participation and reinforcing the importance of emergency preparedness.
This initiative marks a significant step towards fostering a culture of prevention in Ciudad Juárez, particularly given the city’s history with seismic activity. Since 2020, the region has recorded 24 earthquakes, with the most recent one occurring on February 14, 2025, registering a magnitude of 5.1. The drill will involve 110 educational centers, shopping malls, and approximately 300 households.
During the drill, an alert will be activated at the Plaza Sendero shopping center, located at the intersection of Francisco Villarreal Torres Avenue and Manuel Gómez Morín Avenue. This will involve the evacuation of some businesses and personnel to assess response times. Rodríguez highlighted that such events not only engage authorities but also involve households, fostering a preventive culture among the community.
As part of the drill preparations, the Civil Protection Department has organized meetings and training sessions with internal brigades across various municipal offices, including the Human Settlements Department and the Coordinator of Citizen Attention in the Zaragoza neighborhood. This comprehensive approach aims to ensure an effective exercise.
Rodríguez also advised residents to keep essential documents digitalized, have a flashlight, and a spare battery for their cell phones ready in case of emergencies. He reiterated the importance of maintaining calm during the evacuation process, instructing participants not to run, shout, or push as they exit their homes or workplaces.
As the drill approaches, the community is reminded that places considered safe can still be at risk during a significant natural event. The largest drill will take place at the municipal presidency, where officials will oversee the exercise and ensure that all protocols are followed.
This earthquake drill is not just a precaution; it’s a vital exercise that prepares the community for potential disasters. By simulating a high-magnitude earthquake, residents will gain firsthand experience in evacuation procedures and emergency response, crucial skills that could save lives in a real crisis.
In the event of an actual disaster, having a well-prepared community can make all the difference. The drill is a proactive measure to enhance the city’s resilience against earthquakes, ensuring that residents are equipped to handle emergencies effectively.
As Ciudad Juárez takes this important step towards improving its disaster preparedness, the participation of families, schools, and businesses is essential. The drill serves as a reminder that preparedness is a shared responsibility, and the safety of the community relies on collective action.
With the drill just hours away, residents are encouraged to take the exercise seriously and to view it as an opportunity to learn and prepare. The Civil Protection Department hopes to see widespread participation, demonstrating the community's commitment to safety and preparedness.
As the clock ticks down to the drill, the anticipation builds. Will the community rise to the occasion? Only time will tell, but one thing is clear: Ciudad Juárez is taking significant strides in fostering a culture of preparedness and resilience against earthquakes.
