"Confusion and chaos in CDMX due to erroneous activation of seismic alert on August 2."

Mexico City experienced a moment of tension and confusion on August 2nd, when the seismic alert was triggered in the metropolis due to an error in preparations for the national drill scheduled for September 19th. The Center for Instrumentation and Seismic Record (CIRES) was responsible for the activation, announcing on its social media that the signal from the Mexican Seismic Alert System was issued at 12:40 PM. Initially, the alert was attributed to the supposed perception of seismic activity at the borders of the states of Puebla and Guerrero. Despite the activation of the alert, the National Seismological Service (SSN) quickly denied the existence of an earthquake that would justify such a reaction, indicating that it had not recorded any significant seismic events in the past hour. "The SSN does not operate any seismic alert," was one of the clear messages disseminated to calm the public. The confusion led thousands of residents to evacuate their homes, workplaces, and various facilities, creating momentary chaos in the city's daily life. The streets filled with people worried about the possibility of an earthquake, who, after a few minutes of uncertainty, began to return to their activities as they did not perceive any further risks. Laura Velázquez Alzúa, the National Coordinator of Civil Protection, demanded an explanation from CIRES regarding the erroneous activation of the alert, emphasizing the importance of having clear and efficient protocols in emergency situations. Transparency in these processes is vital to maintain public trust in the institutions responsible for their safety. The Head of Government of Mexico City, Martí Batres, also commented on the matter, reporting that the perception of an earthquake was mainly recorded in the center and south of the capital. However, he later deleted his post, which generated even more confusion among citizens. The lack of clear and timely information can lead to misunderstandings and the spread of rumors during critical moments. Additionally, the Secretary of Citizen Security of Mexico City, Pablo Vázquez, conducted a helicopter flyover and toured the streets, confirming that no damages of any kind had been reported. His swift intervention was crucial to ensure the safety of the population and provide accurate information during the crisis. The Collective Transportation System Metro was also affected by the alert, temporarily suspending its service to carry out review protocols. However, after 15 minutes, the service was restored, allowing users to continue their journeys without major inconveniences. This incident highlights the need to review and improve seismic alert protocols in the country. The erroneous activation of an alert can have serious consequences on people's daily lives, as well as on the trust placed in the institutions responsible for public safety. It is essential to have clear and effective communication between the involved entities to avoid unnecessary panic situations. In a context where earthquakes are a real and constant threat, preparation and accurate information are key to safeguarding the lives of citizens. Every second counts in an emergency, and mistakes like the one that occurred this time should serve as lessons to improve response and alert mechanisms in the future. Finally, citizens expect that necessary measures will be taken to prevent a similar error from happening again. The safety of the residents of Mexico City must be a priority, and trust in the institutions that protect them is vital to face the challenges posed by nature with calmness.