Baja California will hold a statewide earthquake simulation drill on Monday, April 6 at 2 p.m. local time. The exercise, coordinated by state civil protection official Salvador Cervantes Hernández, will simulate a magnitude 7.2 earthquake and test emergency response protocols across the state.
The drill is designed to strengthen disaster preparedness culture and measure how quickly the public responds to emergency alerts. Residents in Tijuana, Ensenada, Mexicali, Rosarito, and Tecate should expect sirens, emergency vehicle activity, and possible traffic disruptions during the exercise.
Why 7.2 Magnitude Is the Scenario
The choice of a 7.2-magnitude scenario is not arbitrary. On April 4, 2010, a real 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck near Mexicali along the Laguna Salada Fault, causing injuries and damage on both sides of the border. That quake remains one of the strongest to hit the region in decades.
Baja California sits along the boundary between the North American and Pacific tectonic plates. The state averages roughly 1,700 recorded earthquakes per year, according to seismic data, with about 63 of those reaching magnitude 4.0 or higher. Since 1900, at least eight quakes above magnitude 7.0 have struck in or near the state, occurring roughly every 15 to 20 years on average.
What to Expect During the Drill
The simulation will activate emergency alert systems, and government buildings, schools, hospitals, and businesses are expected to participate. Participants will practice the standard “drop, cover, and hold on” protocol used in earthquake preparedness worldwide.
If you are driving during the drill, do not be alarmed by sirens or emergency vehicles. The exercise is planned to last approximately two hours. Authorities have not announced road closures, but localized traffic slowdowns are possible near government buildings and major institutions.
For anyone living along the Tijuana, Rosarito, or Ensenada corridor, this is a good reminder to check emergency supplies, identify safe spots in your home, and know your building’s evacuation routes. The U.S. Consulate in Tijuana typically shares information about these drills on its social media channels as they approach.
This story was first reported by Zeta Tijuana.