National Drill 2024: Mexico prepares to face a major earthquake.

The National Drill 2024, which will take place on September 19, presents a crucial opportunity for the population of Mexico to prepare for the possibility of an earthquake. In this edition, the central hypothesis will be a tremor of magnitude 7.5, with its epicenter in the state of Guerrero, an area known for its seismic activity. The Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection (SSPC), along with the National Coordination of Civil Protection (CNPC), has called on citizens to actively participate in this exercise, which aims to strengthen the culture of prevention and response to natural disasters. The drill will not only focus on the experience of citizens but also includes the evaluation of potential damage to homes, historical buildings, and strategic facilities. This aims to ensure that public and private institutions are prepared to face a real emergency by simulating the conditions and reactions that would occur in critical situations. The importance of this exercise lies in the fact that, although not all states in Mexico are exposed to the same seismic risks, each can have a suitable hypothesis based on its geographical characteristics and risk factors. The SSPC has established that for the effective conduct of the drill, it is vital for citizens to register their properties on a digital platform available through the SSPC until September 18 at 11:59 PM. This registration will allow authorities to have a clearer overview of buildings and the most vulnerable areas in the event of an earthquake. Individuals who participated in last year's drill will only need to validate their information, which streamlines the process and encourages ongoing participation from the population. In a country known for its seismic activity, these drills are more than a mere formality; they are a fundamental tool for the protection of life and the physical integrity of citizens. Recent history has shown that natural disasters can occur at any moment, underscoring the need for every household and community to be prepared to act quickly and effectively in emergencies. The possibility of a major earthquake occurring in the future serves as a constant reminder of the population's vulnerability and the importance of education in civil protection. The active participation of citizens in this drill also represents an invaluable opportunity to assess and improve evacuation and response plans in each community. By simulating an event of this magnitude, authorities will be able to identify areas for improvement in their protocols as well as in security infrastructure. The response from every sector, both public and private, will be essential to ensure that the exercise is effective and fulfills its purpose. Moreover, the National Drill is an opportune moment for educational institutions, companies, and non-governmental organizations to engage in the exercise. Education and training on prevention topics should start in the classrooms, and this drill offers young people the chance to learn how to act in the event of a disaster. Involving new generations in the culture of civil protection is an essential step toward building a more resilient society. The Government of Mexico, through its agencies, has emphasized that prevention is everyone's duty. For this reason, the message is clear: collaboration and citizen participation are crucial for the success of the drill. From forming evacuation brigades to establishing safe escape routes, every action counts in reducing the impact of a potential earthquake on the lives of Mexicans. Finally, the execution of the National Drill 2024 is not just an activity limited to a specific day on the calendar; it is a reminder that disaster preparedness is a permanent commitment. Authorities and the population must continue to work together to foster a culture of prevention that transcends the drill. With each exercise, the seeds of a safer community are sown, capable of facing future challenges with courage and determination.