Earthquake alert in Oaxaca: 5.3 magnitude earthquake shakes the region, proceed quickly and with caution

This Tuesday, at 8:29 in the morning, a preliminary magnitude 5.3 earthquake shook the region with its epicenter in Pinotepa Nacional, Oaxaca, triggering alerts in various areas of the country. According to the Seismic Alert System (Sasmex), the city of Oaxaca was the only one that automatically received the warning of the seismic movement, providing valuable seconds of anticipation to its inhabitants. However, in other cities such as Chilpancingo, Acapulco, Morelia, Colima, Puebla, Cuernavaca, and especially in Mexico City, the corresponding alarms were not activated. Sasmex, responsible for monitoring and alerting about earthquakes in Mexico, reported that the preliminary alert time in Oaxaca was approximately 20 seconds before the tremor was felt in the epicenter area. Despite the magnitude of the earthquake, the impact in nearby areas was not devastating, partly attributed to the authorities' quick response and the implementation of emergency protocols in the region. The Governor of Oaxaca, Salomón Jara Cruz, through his social media, communicated that all emergency protocols were being activated in the eight regions of the state to assess possible damages caused by the earthquake. Subsequently, the National Seismological Service adjusted the magnitude of the event to 5 degrees, while the National Civil Protection Coordination reported no significant damages and ensured that they were constantly monitoring the situation. The Seismic Alert System has become a vital tool in Mexico to provide the population with seconds of anticipation for events like this earthquake in Oaxaca. This technology, supported by scientific principles and detection algorithms, aims to reduce risks and enable people to take protective measures in the event of a seismic movement. Although this time the alarms were not activated in all affected regions, the quick response of local authorities helped minimize potential damages and safeguard the population's integrity. In a country like Mexico, with high seismic activity, the importance of having early warning systems like Sasmex is particularly relevant. The ability to anticipate natural events such as earthquakes can make the difference between life and death, and it is the responsibility of authorities and society as a whole to be prepared and act in a coordinated manner in emergency situations. Earthquakes are a constant reality in this country, but prevention, preparedness, and proper response can help mitigate their consequences and protect the vulnerable population.