Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco – Thursday, September 19, a macro earthquake drill will be conducted across Puerto Vallarta, as organized by the Jalisco State Unit for Civil Protection and Firefighters (UEPCBJ). The exercise, which simulates an earthquake of magnitude 8.0, aims to raise awareness and improve response readiness to seismic activity in one of Mexico’s most vulnerable regions.
According to UEPCBJ, the drill will simulate an earthquake with an epicenter located 13 kilometers from Chamela, on the South Coast of Jalisco, at a depth of 7 kilometers. The scenario anticipates serious impact across the South Coast and Western Sierra regions, where the quake’s intensity is expected to be classified as “extreme.”
The purpose of this exercise, which coincides with Mexico’s National Civil Protection Day, is to enhance disaster preparedness and promote a culture of prevention. In a region as seismically active as Puerto Vallarta, which lies within the Pacific Ring of Fire, drills of this nature are critical for evaluating and improving emergency response protocols.
Simulating Serious Damage and Potential Tsunami
The exercise forecasts significant damage across key municipalities, including La Huerta, Tomatlán, Villa de Purificación, and Zapotlán el Grande. Simulated effects will include severe destruction to infrastructure, homes, and roads, putting the focus on efficient evacuation plans and coordinated emergency response.
In addition to the earthquake simulation, authorities will also prepare for the possibility of a tsunami triggered by the quake. This aspect of the drill anticipates waves reaching up to 12 meters high along the coast, from Melaque to Puerto Vallarta, underscoring the need for comprehensive disaster readiness that goes beyond earthquakes alone.
Importance of Participation
Authorities from UEPCBJ stress the importance of both citizens and local institutions actively participating in the macro drill. By doing so, evacuation routes can be tested, emergency preparedness can be evaluated, and the community’s overall awareness of how to respond to seismic events will improve. The drill will also help ensure that action protocols are effectively reinforced.
Puerto Vallarta and surrounding regions have a history of seismic activity, and with its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire, the city remains vulnerable to potential earthquakes. The state’s Civil Protection agency is urging everyone to take the drill seriously and follow guidance on how to properly respond during such emergencies.
National Significance
This drill is part of a broader national effort to increase earthquake preparedness, as drills like this are held across Mexico every September 19. The date is significant as it marks the anniversary of the catastrophic 1985 Mexico City earthquake, as well as the deadly 2017 earthquake, both of which struck on the same day, claiming thousands of lives and highlighting the importance of nationwide preparedness.
As Puerto Vallarta braces for the drill, officials remind residents of the ongoing need to stay vigilant, review evacuation plans, and remain informed about emergency procedures in order to mitigate the potentially devastating effects of natural disasters.
For further details on the macro earthquake drill, residents are encouraged to follow official updates from the Jalisco State Unit for Civil Protection and Firefighters.
Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco – Thursday, September 19, a macro earthquake drill will be conducted across Puerto Vallarta, as organized by the Jalisco State Unit for Civil Protection and Firefighters (UEPCBJ). The exercise, which simulates an earthquake of magnitude 8.0, aims to raise awareness and improve response readiness to seismic activity in one of Mexico's most vulnerable regions.
