Earthquake drill on 19.04.2023
On Wednesday, April 19th at 11 am, a, earthquake drill will be held in Mexico City, probably replacing the national drill held on September 19th. This is due to several people requesting it after the last two earthquakes that occurred on that same day.
Earthquake drill date change
The Head of Government, Claudia Sheinbaum, mentioned in a press conference that the possibility of eliminating the September 19th drill is already being evaluated with the Federal Civil Protection Coordinator.
The Mexico City governor also emphasized, without giving further details on the date, that the seismic alert will soon arrive on mobile phones. Remember that this SMS alert system will be a complement to the alert on poles, radio, and television. Those who will receive this message will be residents of Mexico City, the State of Mexico, and Colima.
Earthquake drill: why is it important to conduct it?
Here are four points on the importance of seismic drills in Mexico City.
Preparation: Drills allow us to learn the safety procedures to follow during an earthquake. It is as well the best way to evacuate the location where we are.
Awareness: These exercises educate us on how to reduce the risk of injuries and material damage. That is, they promote a culture of disaster prevention.
Coordination: earthquake drill help improve communication between the Government of Mexico City, businesses, and the community in general. This is crucial to ensure a good response to a real earthquake.
Identification of improvement areas: If something does not work during the earthquake drill, people can take measures to improve safety procedures.
Why does Mexico experience so many earthquakes?
Why Mexico is Prone to Earthquakes: A Look at the Factors Contributing to Seismic Activity
Mexico is a country that experiences a high frequency of earthquakes, particularly in its capital, Mexico City. While earthquakes can occur in any part of the world, certain geological and geographical features make some regions more susceptible to seismic activity than others. In this article, we will examine the factors that contribute to the frequency and intensity of earthquakes in Mexico.
Location and tectonic plates
Mexico is located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region where several tectonic plates meet and cause intense seismic activity. In particular, Mexico is situated on the boundary between the North American Plate and the Cocos Plate, which is subducting beneath the former. This boundary is known as the Middle America Trench. Intense geological activity at this boundary generates the majority of the earthquakes in Mexico.
The Cocos Plate is moving eastward and diving beneath the North American Plate, causing friction and pressure to build up between the two plates. This pressure is released in the form of earthquakes, which can range in magnitude and intensity. Mexico has experienced several devastating earthquakes throughout its history. The most deadly was the eartyhquake in 1985 that struck during the night, killing thousands and causing widespread damage.
Topography and soil composition
Another factor contributing to the frequency and intensity of earthquakes in Mexico is the country’s topography and soil composition. Mexico City is built on an ancient lakebed, which means that the soil is soft and prone to liquefaction during an earthquake. Liquefaction occurs when the soil loses its strength and behaves like a liquid. This can cause buildings and other structures to sink or collapse.
The topography of the region also plays a role in amplifying seismic waves. Mexico City is situated in a basin surrounded by mountains. This can cause seismic waves to bounce off the mountains and reflect back into the city. This amplification effect can increase the intensity of earthquakes in the region, making them more destructive.
Population density and infrastructure
Mexico is one of the most populous countries in the world. Its capital city is home to over 21 million people. The high population density, coupled with poor infrastructure and building practices, makes Mexico City particularly vulnerable to earthquakes. Many of the buildings in the city were constructed before modern building codes were put in place, and are not designed to withstand seismic activity.
In recent years, Mexico has made efforts to retrofit buildings and improve building codes to better withstand earthquakes. However, much work remains to be done, and many older buildings still pose a risk to the population during an earthquake.
Earthquake drill: the importance of preparedness
Given the high frequency of earthquakes in Mexico, it is crucial for residents and visitors to be prepared for seismic activity. This includes having an emergency plan in place, knowing the location of evacuation routes and shelters, and having a disaster supply kit on hand.
In addition, regular earthquake drills and simulations can help prepare residents and businesses for the event of an earthquake. These drills can help identify areas for improvement in emergency response plans. They also ensure that everyone knows what to do in the event of an earthquake.
Mexico has a Seismic Alert System providing up to 60 seconds warning.
Conclusion
Mexico’s location on the Pacific Ring of Fire, its topography and soil composition. Also its population density and infrastructure all contribute to the high frequency of earthquakes in the country. To completely prevent earthquakes is impossible, but the government makes efforts to improve infrastructure and building practices, and to prepare the population for seismic activity. By working together to minimize the risks associated with earthquakes, Mexico can become a safer place for all.
