New SMS alert system in CDMX aims to improve safety during earthquakes.

In an effort to improve safety and earthquake preparedness, the government of Mexico City has announced a new seismic alert system that will send text messages to the cell phones of residents. This announcement comes as September, historically marked by earthquakes, approaches. With this measure, the authorities aim to ensure that all citizens are informed, even if their devices are on "silent" mode. The initiative, which will begin testing on August 19, will allow all cell phone owners in the capital to receive an SMS message in the event of an imminent earthquake. In this way, the authorities hope that the population will have no excuses for not acting when a tremor occurs. This system complements the audible alerts emitted by sirens in the city, which can often go unnoticed, especially in noisy environments or if the phone is silenced. The National Coordination of Civil Protection has been working hard to perfect its alert system, aiming to provide citizens with enough time to seek shelter and minimize the risk of injury. This effort is significant, as the Mexican capital is located in a highly seismic zone, and past earthquake experiences have shown that a quick response can save lives. Tests of the new text message system will be conducted as part of the preparations for the "mega drill" scheduled for September 19. This drill will be a massive event taking place in several states, including Michoacán, Morelos, Oaxaca, Chiapas, Puebla, State of Mexico, Colima, and Tlaxcala. The simultaneous participation of these states highlights the importance of disaster preparedness nationwide. Authorities have stated that there will be no need to download any applications to receive these SMS alerts, making access easier for a larger number of people. This is particularly relevant in an environment where not all citizens own smartphones or are familiar with multiple applications. By simplifying the process, it is expected that more people will be informed and prepared for a potential seismic event. However, some experts have pointed out the need to consider the timing of the drill. September 19 is a symbolic date in the Mexican collective memory due to the devastating earthquakes of 1985 and 2017, which could evoke intense emotions and adverse reactions from the population. Nonetheless, authorities argue that awareness and preparedness are essential to face any eventuality. Furthermore, the alert messages will not only be limited to residents of the capital but will also be sent to inhabitants of the mentioned states, regardless of their current location. This reflects a more inclusive approach that seeks to reach all citizens, including those who may be far from their usual place of residence but still have ties to the region. As part of a comprehensive communication strategy, informational campaigns are being developed to educate the population on how to react to a seismic alert. The combination of SMS messages with an educational campaign could help create a culture of prevention and response that reduces vulnerability to future earthquakes. In summary, the implementation of an SMS alert system represents a significant advancement in how authorities prepare to face the threat of earthquakes in Mexico City. As tests are conducted, expectations are focused on its effectiveness and how this new method can contribute to the safety of the population in a month that recalls both tragedy and resilience. Collaboration between the government and citizens will be crucial to ensure that everyone is adequately informed and prepared for the possibility of a tremor.