The Mexican government has declared the first national earthquake drill of 2025 a success, with over 30 million people participating across the country’s 32 states.
According to Laura Velázquez Alzúa, Civil Protection Coordinator, Mexico’s emergency response system has been strengthened, featuring a force of nearly 2.6 million personnel from various institutions, as well as 36,000 specialized vehicles, 371 aircraft, and 40,691 medical units with over 200,000 beds.
The drill saw significant participation from the education sector, with 8.9 million people from 29,259 schools taking part, including students, teachers, administrators, and individuals with disabilities.
In addition to the widespread participation, the National Emergency Committee also tested its new Presidential Alert system by sending mass text messages and audio alerts to millions of people in Mexico City and the metropolitan area.
Security Secretary Omar García Harfuch emphasized that the purpose of the drill was to prepare citizens and families for emergency situations, highlighting the importance of knowing what actions to take in homes, schools, hospitals, businesses, or other properties.
The drill also demonstrated the effectiveness of the Presidential Alert system, which was implemented nationwide as part of the government’s efforts to ensure public safety.
Arturo Iglesias Mendoza, head of the National Seismological Service, reported that a magnitude 8.1 earthquake struck Oaxaca at 11:30 a.m., with its epicenter located near Tehuantepec.
Ricardo Trevilla Trejo, Secretary of National Defense, explained that the drill implemented a preventive phase of the DN-III-E plan, which has been in place since 1996. The plan saw participation from 143,259 personnel, including members of the Army, National Guard, and Mexican Armed Forces.
Trevilla Trejo highlighted the capabilities of the Defense Ministry’s emergency response forces, which include military hospitals, community kitchens, water treatment plants, and quartermaster cells capable of providing food and other essential services in disaster situations.
Admiral Raymundo Pedro Secretary of the Navy Morales Ángeles stated that the earthquake would generate significant waves along the coast, affecting buildings within a 5-meter radius. He highlighted the efforts of the Marina Deriva Plan, which deployed personnel to evacuate properties, activate emergency response brigades, and aid those affected.
The nationwide drill demonstrates Mexico’s commitment to disaster preparedness and response, with multiple government agencies working together to ensure public safety in the event of an emergency.
Source: La Jornada
