"Wrong activation of seismic alert generates panic in Mexico City."

In a recent press conference, the Head of Government of Mexico City, Martí Batres, addressed the erroneous activation of the seismic alert that caused concern among the residents of the capital and surrounding areas. Batres emphasized that the responsibility for this incident does not lie with the city government, but rather with the Center for Instrumentation and Seismic Recording A.C. (CIRES, A.C.), a civil association dedicated to research and technology development in seismic matters. During his statement, Batres detailed that CIRES had been conducting a routine procedure to test the equipment used for the seismic alert in preparation for the drill scheduled for September 19. However, during this exercise, they made a mistake by not disconnecting the equipment that transmitted warnings of a simulated earthquake, leading to the involuntary activation of the alert in several locations, including Acapulco, Chilpancingo, Cuernavaca, Puebla, and Toluca, in addition to Mexico City itself. The Head of Government stressed the importance of clear communication in emergency situations, pointing out that the confusion generated by the false alert can cause panic among the population, especially in a context where society is increasingly alert to seismic risks. "It is an error that affects the perception of safety among citizens," Batres asserted, insisting that such incidents should not be repeated. Batres also revealed that CIRES acknowledged its mistake in a letter sent to the National Civil Protection Coordinator, Laura Velázquez Alzúa, in which the association expressed its apologies and regretted the repercussions of the error. In its letter, CIRES admitted that the activation of the seismic alert was the result of an internal procedure not properly executed, which caused the alarms to sound without a real earthquake occurring. The incident highlights the need to review and improve safety and communication protocols in emergency situations. The activation of the seismic alert is a serious matter that must be handled with the utmost precision, as it can have a significant impact on the mental and emotional well-being of the public. "It is essential that these types of procedures have the appropriate mechanisms in place to avoid errors that could cause unnecessary alarm," Batres commented. Furthermore, the Head of Government of Mexico City expressed his commitment to the public, emphasizing that the city administration is willing to collaborate with CIRES and other entities to establish measures that prevent similar incidents in the future. "We do not want the public's trust to be undermined by external errors," he stressed. Citizens affected by the erroneous seismic alert have expressed their concerns. Many voiced their discontent on social media, sharing their experiences and the fear that the alert generated. This incident has brought to light the fragility of public perception regarding the effectiveness of alert systems in emergency situations. The importance of having an efficient and reliable communication infrastructure during crises is more crucial than ever. The public needs to know that they can trust the alerts issued by the authorities and that these are based on accurate information. Meanwhile, the government of Mexico City will continue to monitor the situation and ensure that necessary actions are taken to prevent a mistake of this magnitude from occurring again. Prevention and education on emergency management will be fundamental pillars in Batres's administration strategy to reinforce the safety of the capital and its inhabitants.