### Tijuana Residents Participate in National Earthquake Drill
On Thursday, September 19, 2024, Tijuana residents took part in the National Earthquake Drill, simulating a 7.2 magnitude earthquake. Various schools, workplaces, government offices, and other institutions participated, highlighting the city’s preparedness for seismic events.
**Municipal Palace Exercise**
One of the key sites for the drill was the Municipal Palace, where 92 brigadiers and 25 coordinators from 42 dependencies managed to evacuate the building in just three minutes and 39 seconds, according to the official report by Marcelo de Jesús Machaín Servín. A total of 1,058 employees and 63 citizens gathered outside the building in designated groups corresponding to their offices.
**Safety Measures Implemented**
Municipal Civil Protection Director, Miguel Ángel Ceballos Ramírez, noted that the exercise included simulations of electric, water, and gas shutdowns. Drones were utilized to assess potential damage to the Municipal Palace’s infrastructure.
**Participant Insights**
In Zona Río, employees from the Baja California Secretariat of Culture, the Secretariat of Education, and the Benito Juárez Library evacuated promptly at 10:00 AM, coinciding with the nationwide alarm. At the Center for University Education in Health (CUES UABC), around 800 individuals, mainly students, participated, as reported by one of the brigadiers.
**Vulnerability Points**
Ceballos Ramírez emphasized that the city’s vulnerability to earthquakes depends significantly on the type of soil and construction over the years. Areas on slopes might be more susceptible to land movement. Specifically, Zona Río, being on the Tijuana River bed, has sandier soil, making seismic sensations stronger compared to other areas like Mesa de Otay or Colonia Libertad.
**Safety Recommendations**
Ceballos Ramírez advised residents to remain in place during an earthquake and wait one minute before evacuating. He noted that moving during the shaking is unsafe, but a three-minute evacuation time is generally secure. After an earthquake, brigadiers should inspect buildings to ensure there are no damages before resuming normal activities.
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### Additional Insights on Earthquake Preparedness
**National Drill Highlights Over 25 Million Participants**
Over 25 million people across Mexico participated in the National Earthquake Drill, marking one of the largest safety exercises conducted in the country. The drill serves to remind and educate citizens about proper evacuation procedures and emergency responses during seismic events.
**Mexico City’s Comprehensive Participation**
In Mexico City, where seismic activity is closely monitored, officials carried out extensive drills that included building evacuations, emergency service mobilizations, and public awareness campaigns. Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum emphasized the importance of ongoing preparedness as a key factor in reducing casualties and damage during real earthquakes.
**Learning from Past Earthquakes**
Experts from the National Seismological Service pointed to the devastating 1985 and 2017 earthquakes as pivotal moments that shaped current safety protocols. These historical events underscore the need for continued vigilance and robust construction regulations to mitigate the impact of future quakes.
**Public Awareness Campaigns**
Throughout the month leading up to the drill, various educational campaigns were broadcasted, aiming to instruct the public on safety measures, basic first aid, and the importance of having an emergency kit ready. These campaigns were essential in ensuring a higher level of readiness and awareness among the citizens.
**Use of Technology in Drills**
The incorporation of technology, such as drones and advanced monitoring systems, has been instrumental in modern earthquake drills. These tools allow for quicker assessments of structural integrity and aid in the coordination of emergency responses, providing valuable data that helps refine future preparedness strategies.
By participating in such extensive drills, Tijuana, alongside other cities in Mexico, continues to enhance its readiness for potential seismic events, ensuring the safety and well-being of its residents.