La Becerrera, the closest inhabited community to the Volcán de Fuego de Colima (Colima Volcano of Fire), participated in a large-scale emergency drill over the weekend based on a simulated major volcanic eruption.
The exercise was designed around a hypothetical Plinian eruption, a highly explosive type of volcanic event, as proposed by the Scientific Advisory Committee.
Following the simulated scenario, personnel from the State Civil Protection Unit, together with the Mexican Army, Mexican Navy, and National Guard, carried out a preventive evacuation of the community, located approximately 8 kilometers (5 miles) in a straight line from the volcano’s crater.
Testing Emergency Preparedness
Alejandro Rodríguez, Operations Director of the State Civil Protection Unit, explained that the primary goal of the drill was to evaluate both the response capabilities of emergency agencies and the preparedness of local residents.
“The overall objective is to assess the operational readiness of government agencies at all levels and evaluate public participation, ensuring that residents know their evacuation routes and the procedures they should follow,” he said.
Community Participation
La Becerrera is located about 35 kilometers (22 miles) north of the city of Colima, near the border with Jalisco, and has a population of roughly 300 residents. Visitors and travelers who happened to be in the area also participated in the exercise.
As part of the operation, authorities established a command post in the town’s main square, where they:
- Conducted a census of residents.
- Registered people with illnesses or other vulnerabilities.
- Prioritized individuals who would require special assistance during an evacuation.
Residents Welcome the Exercise
Fernando Fajardo, the community commissioner, said drills like this help residents prepare for a real emergency.
“If something actually happens, we already know what we need to do.”
Residents agreed that the exercises improve their ability to respond quickly.
María Mejía said the drills are especially important because La Becerrera is located in a high-risk volcanic zone.
Claudia Liliana explained that families already know to keep an emergency backpack ready with personal documents and to board the assigned evacuation vehicles immediately after an official alert.
She also noted that previous eruptions have made residents much more aware of the importance of following official instructions.
María Elena Ricardo, another resident, recalled the fear experienced during past periods of volcanic activity.
“When the volcano erupted, we were terrified and didn’t even know how to leave,” she said.
Evacuation to a Temporary Shelter
The convoy transporting residents was taken to a temporary shelter located 11 kilometers (7 miles) south of La Becerrera, outside the designated danger zone.
At the shelter, personnel from Civil Protection and the health sector provided:
- Medical evaluations.
- Vital sign monitoring.
- Food distribution.
- Community support and prevention activities.
One evacuee, Marisol, said that medical attention was provided immediately upon arrival and that residents were directed to the shelter’s dining facilities.
After approximately 90 minutes, the exercise concluded with La Becerrera completely evacuated, leaving only security personnel behind to safeguard the community’s homes.
Source: excelsior
