The Mexican government has announced that the Second National Earthquake Drill of the year will take place on September 19, 2025. The exercise aims to reinforce a culture of prevention and test the country’s readiness to respond to a major earthquake. This marks the second nationwide drill following the April 29 simulation. That simulation mobilized federal agencies, private entities and citizens at 11:30 AM across Mexico City and other regions.
Second National Earthquake Drill
Officials confirm the Second National earthquake Drill will begin at exactly 12:00 PM Central Time on September 19. Participants from government bodies, businesses and households are urged to follow standard evacuation procedures and safety measures. These measures are those used in real seismic events.
The hypothetical scenario envisions an 8.1-magnitude earthquake with its epicenter off the coast of Lázaro Cárdenas, Michoacán. The simulation will involve several states. These include Guerrero, Jalisco, Mexico City, Colima, Oaxaca, Morelos, Estado de México, Guanajuato, Puebla, Tlaxcala, and Veracruz. By replicating a high-impact quake, authorities hope to identify strengths and gaps in emergency response plans.
Drill Scenario and Alerts
To ensure realistic conditions, the drill will activate both sirens and a mass cell-phone alert. Over 80 million active mobile devices across Mexico will receive the message:
“ESTO ES UN SIMULACRO – Este es un mensaje para probar la funcionalidad del Sistema Nacional de Alertas del Gobierno de México – ESTO ES UN SIMULACRO.”
The inclusion of wireless alerts represents a historic step in civil protection. “This is a historic move to reinforce civil-protection culture nationwide,” said Laura Velázquez Alzúa, head of the National Coordination of Civil Protection (CNPC). “This tool will allow us to warn in real emergencies. However, on September 19 it will serve as a test so everyone gets familiar with these alerts.”
Digital Alert System
Digital infrastructure authorities explain that the alert system leverages cell-tower networks to send rapid warnings within defined geographic zones. Jorge Luis Pérez Hernández, national coordinator of digital infrastructure at the ATDT, described the system as one that “allows instant alerts during drills such as the Second National earthquake Drill. It’s designed to buy valuable reaction time and help people reach safety quickly.”
According to officials, the system is fast and sends notifications instantly. It is free, consuming no data or credit. It is efficient as well, without overloading networks. The system is also precise, targeting specific risk zones. Finally, it is massive, reaching every active phone that has wireless alerts enabled.
For More Information
Citizens with questions about the Second National Earthquake Drill can call Mexico’s civil-protection hotline at 079 for guidance on procedures and safety measures. Authorities encourage everyone to participate seriously. They should treat the exercise as they would a real emergency and review family-evacuation plans ahead of time.
By engaging communities, businesses and government agencies, Mexico aims to strengthen its overall earthquake-response capacity. The Second National earthquake Drill on September 19 serves as both a rehearsal and a reminder of the country’s seismic risks. It emphasizes the collective responsibility to stay prepared.
