Background on the Event
On January 21, 2026, a state-wide earthquake drill will take place in Colima, Mexico. The exercise is organized by the Secretaría de Gestión Integral de Riesgos y Protección Civil (SGIRPC) at the request of local authorities. The primary goal is to strengthen emergency response protocols in case of a real seismic event.
Details of the Drill
The drill is scheduled for 12:00 PM (Central Time, Mexico) and will involve the manual activation of the Alerta Sísmica system. This alert will only be heard within Colima and will not trigger in Mexico City or on mobile devices.
During the Drill
- Maintain calm; do not run, push, or shout.
- Move away from windows and objects that could fall.
- Evacuate using designated routes; avoid elevators.
- Assist individuals with disabilities, elderly people, and children.
After the Drill
- Proceed to the designated assembly point.
- Report any issues encountered during the drill.
- Evaluate the exercise to enhance preparedness for a genuine earthquake.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the purpose of this drill? The drill aims to strengthen emergency response protocols for a potential seismic event in Colima.
- Who is organizing the drill? The Secretaría de Gestión Integral de Riesgos y Protección Civil (SGIRPC) is coordinating the exercise.
- Will the Alerta Sísmica sound in Mexico City during the drill? No, the alert will only be activated within Colima and won’t reach Mexico City or mobile devices.
- What actions should people take during the drill? Participants are advised to stay calm, move away from windows and potential hazards, evacuate using marked routes, avoid elevators, and assist vulnerable individuals.
- What happens after the drill? Participants should report any issues encountered and evaluate the exercise to improve readiness for a real earthquake.
Context and Relevance
Colima, located on the western coast of Mexico, is prone to seismic activity due to its proximity to the Pacific and Cocos tectonic plates. The SGIRPC plays a crucial role in safeguarding the population by promoting preparedness and efficient response strategies. This drill serves as an essential reminder for residents to stay vigilant and update their internal protocols and family prevention plans.
