Mexico City is gearing up for the Primer Simulacro Nacional 2025, a vital exercise aimed at strengthening the culture of prevention and the capacity to respond to earthquakes. The Centro de Comando, Control, Cómputo, Comunicaciones y Contacto Ciudadano de la CDMX (C5) has confirmed the date and time for the iconic Alerta Sísmica to sound in the capital. Mark your calendars and get ready, as this drill presents an opportunity to practice actions that could save lives in the event of a real earthquake.
The Alerta Sísmica will echo throughout Mexico City on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at 11:30 AM. This distinctive sound, which has alerted us during emergencies, will signal the start of safety protocols as disseminated by the Civil Protection authorities. Participating in this exercise is not just a civic duty; it’s a conscious action to better prepare for the possibility of seismic activity.
The national drills underscore the importance of preparedness and disaster response, especially in a seismically active region like Mexico. Familiarizing oneself with evacuation procedures and self-protection measures is crucial. The Primer Simulacro Nacional 2025 aims to engage citizens, public and private institutions in a coordinated effort to assess the effectiveness of existing protocols and foster an organized response to actual emergencies.
So, how should you react when you hear the Alerta Sísmica during the drill? It’s essential to remember that the primary goal of this simulation is to practice a calm and effective response. Here are some key recommendations:
- Stay calm: Panic can hinder your ability to act.
- Locate the area of least risk: Move away from windows or objects that could fall.
- Avoid using elevators: Always opt for stairs if you are in a building.
- If you are in a wheelchair, do not move alone: Seek assistance if possible and protect yourself.
- On the street, stay clear of poles, cables, and awnings.
- Follow the instructions of civil protection personnel.
By actively participating in the Primer Simulacro Nacional 2025, you not only prepare yourself but also contribute to strengthening the resilience of the entire community against seismic threats. Remember: practicing to save lives is everyone’s responsibility—don’t forget the date!
On the same day, more than 12 states across the country will participate, including government agencies, armed forces, and civilian populations. Telecommunications companies will also play a role by sending alerts to cell phones, ensuring widespread participation in the exercise. Laura Velázquez Alzúa, the National Coordinator of Civil Protection, emphasized the importance of this drill as a preventive measure to prepare for emergencies.
The prevention exercises will be based on a hypothetical earthquake of magnitude 8.1, with an epicenter in the Gulf of Tehuantepec. This scenario has been carefully studied to identify which states could be most affected. The seismic alert will be activated at 11:30 AM through more than 14,000 loudspeakers, and the alert will also be broadcast via radio and television.
States that will hear the alert include Mexico City, Guerrero, Morelos, Puebla, Jalisco, Colima, Michoacán, Oaxaca, Tlaxcala, and Chiapas. Additionally, the Secretaría de Marina (Semar) will conduct a tsunami alert exercise in the Pacific Ocean as part of the drill.
The government, in collaboration with telecommunications companies, will send an alert via text message to cell phones during the drill. This will mark the second time this type of alert has been implemented since its introduction in September 2024. The message, which will only reach Mexico City and nearby areas, is expected to reach approximately five million phones. It will read: "THIS IS A DRILL. The seismic alert was activated on April 29, 2025, at 11:35 hrs. THIS IS A DRILL."
More than 10 silent tests have been conducted to ensure the proper functioning of this alert system, involving companies such as Altán Redes, Telcel, and AT&T. Velázquez noted that these tests have been successful, indicating that the alert message will indeed be sent out in Mexico City and surrounding areas.
As of now, over 89,000 properties and approximately seven million people from all 32 states and more than 1,800 municipalities have registered for the drill. The invitation for institutions to register remains open until Monday, April 28, at 11:59 PM.
At the end of the Primer Simulacro Nacional 2025, a session of the National Emergency Committee will convene, led by the Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection, Omar García Harfuch. This meeting will include members of the federal cabinet and the governors of all 32 states, aiming to evaluate the institutional response to emergency scenarios.
The exercise is part of coordinated civil protection actions among the three levels of government, the private sector, and civil society, with the goal of fostering a culture of prevention and response to risks. Given Mexico's ongoing exposure to natural phenomena that can lead to disasters, authorities emphasize the need for citizen participation in preventive exercises like these simulations. Active citizen engagement is crucial for building a more resilient society, prepared for any eventuality.
As the date approaches, the anticipation builds. The Primer Simulacro Nacional 2025 promises to be not just a drill, but a crucial step in enhancing Mexico's preparedness for natural disasters. With the participation of millions and a robust alert system in place, this event is set to strengthen the nation's resilience in the face of seismic threats.
