Jalisco calls for participation in the 2026 National Earthquake Drill to strengthen culture of prevention

Government agencies, businesses, schools, hospitals, families, and the general public are encouraged to participate

With the goal of strengthening a culture of prevention and building a better-prepared society for emergency situations, the Government of Jalisco, through the State Civil Protection and Fire Department (UEPCBJ), invites the public to participate in the "Jalisco Prepared for Disasters" Earthquake Drill, which will take place on May 6, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.

This exercise not only represents a preventative practice but also a comprehensive coordination effort among authorities, institutions, and citizens.

The participation of the public, private, and social sectors will allow for testing protocols, response times, and operational capabilities in a large-scale scenario, while also promoting community organization and self-protection.

The scenario for this large-scale drill is based on a realistic hypothesis aligned with the risks facing the state: an 8.0 magnitude earthquake with its epicenter in the Pacific Ocean, off the coast of Chamela, in the municipality of La Huerta, at a depth of 13 kilometers.

Under this assumption, a very strong to severe earthquake is expected along the coast, with potential damage to vulnerable infrastructure, disruption of basic services, and the activation of evacuation protocols.

As part of the exercise, the generation of a tsunami with waves exceeding five meters is also planned, with its arrival estimated between 7 and 14 minutes after the seismic event.

This scenario would primarily impact coastal communities such as Chamela, Punta Pérula, Melaque, and Barra de Navidad, where key actions will be simulated, including evacuation to higher ground, closure of access to the coastline, and the implementation of safety measures for the population and the tourism sector.

Conducting these types of drills is especially important considering that Mexico is located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, one of the most seismically active regions in the world, resulting from the interaction between the Cocos and North American Plates.

Throughout history, significant events have occurred that demonstrate the need for preparedness, such as the earthquakes of 1900, 1932, and 2017, as well as large tsunamis, including the one in 1787 known as the "San Sixto" tsunami, with waves exceeding 10 meters.

The results of the drill held on September 19, 2025, reflect significant progress in the culture of prevention in Jalisco.

On that occasion, more than 2,950,000 people participated, representing a 40.5 percent increase compared to the first National Drill, in addition to the evacuation of nearly 20,000 buildings throughout the state.

To further strengthen citizen participation, the Jalisco State Civil Protection and Fire Department has made available virtual training tools. These tools allow people to learn how to act before, during, and after an earthquake, as well as how to correctly participate in a drill, identify evacuation routes, and apply basic self-protection measures in their homes, workplaces, or public spaces.

The message is clear: this exercise is for everyone. From government agencies, businesses, schools, and hospitals to families and the general public, active participation is key to building safer and more resilient communities.

Authorities reiterated that preparedness can make all the difference in a real emergency.

Those interested in participating can register their building or workplace at https://uepcbj.com/macrosimulacro/index.html.

You can stay informed through the official social media channels of @PCJalisco.