Mexico will conduct a test of the new SMS Earthquake Alert System.

On August 19, Mexico will conduct a crucial test of its new Alert System for Phones, which will be implemented through SMS messages. This test aims to establish a more efficient method for notifying the population about earthquakes and will take place at 11:00 AM. The initiative is part of a broader effort that includes a national drill scheduled for September 19, aimed at preparing citizens for possible seismic emergencies. The National Coordination of Civil Protection has made it clear that the alert will not generate any sound, unlike traditional systems. Instead, users will receive a direct text message that will not require an internet connection or the download of additional applications. This approach has the advantage of being accessible to most mobile phone users in the country, as receiving the SMS will be completely free of charge. This new alert system responds to an urgent need highlighted by criticisms regarding the effectiveness of seismic alarms in various regions of the country. In previous earthquakes, many citizens experienced the frustration of alarms not being activated in their areas, raising serious doubts about the emergency response capability. With this test, authorities aim to address these concerns and improve public safety. The test on August 19 will also serve as a dress rehearsal for the National Earthquake Drill. This drill is held annually in commemoration of the devastating earthquakes that struck Mexico in 1985 and 2017, and it aims to prepare the population to face emergency situations. The inclusion of this new form of notification via SMS seeks to make the alert and response process more effective for citizens. Laura Velázquez Alzúa, head of the National Coordination of Civil Protection, has emphasized that the alert system could be expanded in the future to cover other natural phenomena, such as floods and severe storms. This possibility would not only enhance the response capacity for earthquakes but could also contribute to greater safety against other natural disasters affecting the population. Since 2019, the government has been actively working on the implementation of this alert system. The goal is to provide a reliable and accessible method for citizens to be informed in a timely manner about risk situations. By allowing people to move to safe areas in advance, the aim is to reduce risks and safeguard lives. The arrival of this new alert system represents a significant advance in the modernization of safety measures in the country. The expectation is that the assessment of the effectiveness of the August 19 test will provide valuable information for its large-scale implementation during the September drill. These efforts are expected to not only improve communication in critical situations but also foster a culture of prevention among the population. Active participation from citizens in these types of tests is essential. User responses during the system test will be key to adjusting and improving the protocol before its general application. It is crucial for each person to be informed about how this new system will work so they can react appropriately in the event of a real emergency. Finally, this effort by the government and civil protection authorities represents a commitment to the safety of the Mexican population. Implementing a more efficient alert system is a priority that seeks not only to inform but also to save lives. With a focus on modernization and accessibility, this new test is expected to mark a turning point in how Mexicans face earthquakes and other natural disasters.