**Earthquake of 3.6 Magnitude Hits the Coast of Rosarito**
On the morning of Thursday, December 5, 2024, an earthquake with a magnitude of 3.6 was recorded off the coast of Rosarito. The tremor, which originated 56 kilometers offshore at a depth of 16 kilometers, was felt in the urban area of Tijuana, triggering the seismic alert system.
José Luis Jiménez, Director of Civil Protection in Tijuana, explained that while the earthquake was not widely perceptible across all areas, the seismic alert in certain zones was activated due to the specific soil density in the Río Zone. This led to the evacuation of the Municipal Palace and various hospitals and establishments in the area, as part of safety protocols.
Jiménez added that Tijuana has some areas considered vulnerable due to factors like migration and informal construction, particularly in the Eastern Zone. However, the tremor was not perceived in these areas. The intensity felt in Tijuana ranged from 2.5 to 3 on the Richter scale.
After the earthquake, Civil Protection units were dispatched to assess the situation in precautionary areas. Although not all evacuations were deemed necessary, such as at the General Hospital where no damage was reported, evacuation procedures were swiftly executed. It took about 20 seconds for the alert to reach Tijuana from Rosarito, and the evacuation of the Municipal Palace lasted close to an hour, safely evacuating 750 individuals in the process.
**Additional News on Earthquakes in Baja California**
In recent months, Baja California has experienced a series of seismic activities. Only last month, a slightly stronger tremor, measuring 4.2 magnitudes, was felt in the region of Ensenada. This has prompted local authorities to review and enhance their emergency preparedness plans.
Experts have emphasized the importance of regular earthquake drills within communities, ensuring that residents are familiar with protocols in the event of more significant seismic events. Meanwhile, the government is working on improving infrastructure to better withstand future tremors, focusing on buildings in the most populous areas of Baja California.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed and have emergency kits prepared, as part of the ongoing efforts to foster a culture of safety and readiness in the region.