Mexico, located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, is a region with high seismic activity. The National Seismological Service (SSN) continuously monitors and reports all tremors, regardless of their intensity, to keep the public informed.
Daily Seismic Activity on January 15, 2026
On Thursday, January 15, 2026, seismic activity was reported in several Mexican states. The morning report indicated low-intensity tremors in Oaxaca and Guerrero, which did not trigger seismic alerts. The afternoon saw increased activity in Baja California Sur, Chiapas, Oaxaca, Guerrero, Colima, and Baja California.
Understanding the Seismic Alert System (SASMex)
The Mexican Seismic Alert System (SASMex) utilizes sensors to monitor seismic hazard zones within a 90-kilometer radius. The system estimates the potential magnitude of an earthquake in its initial seconds of detection and disseminates alert information to sensors in various cities.
A seismic alert is activated under specific conditions:
- At least two stations exceed pre-established energy levels in the first seconds of detection.
- Based on the estimated energy and magnitude of the earthquake, and its distance from the city to be alerted:
- Magnitude greater than 5 within 170 km.
- Magnitude greater than 6 within 350 km.
- Magnitude greater than 5.5 within 350 km.
An alert is NOT issued if the earthquake occurs far from SASMex’s detection coverage, is too distant from the city to be alerted, or if the estimated energy levels do not surpass the established thresholds.
Safety Guidelines During an Earthquake
Given Mexico’s frequent seismic activity, it is crucial to know how to react when an earthquake strikes. Civil Protection authorities provide the following recommendations:
If a Seismic Alert is Activated:
Maintain calm and follow these guidelines:
- If on lower floors, try to exit the building using evacuation routes.
- If on a high floor and unable to evacuate, move to the least dangerous area.
- Turn off lights and close water and gas valves.
- Do not run; move in an orderly manner through corridors.
- Avoid shouting to prevent alarming others.
- Walk without pushing or harming others, remembering that everyone is at risk.
Safe Zones at Home:
Identify safe zones in your home where danger is minimal. According to Civil Protection, these include:
- Under columns.
- Under beams.
- Near load-bearing walls.
- Under heavy slabs.
- Under sturdy furniture like steel tables or refrigerators.
- Hallways are generally good refuge spots.
During an Earthquake:
- If still inside a building, move to a less risky area.
- Stay away from windows, furniture, mirrors, plants, or heavy objects that could fall.
- Assist children, the elderly, or people with disabilities to a safe place.
- Do not use stairs or elevators.
- Exit the building only after the tremor ends, if the evacuation route allows.
Specific Scenarios:
In the Metro:
- If on the platform: move against the wall, away from the yellow line. Follow evacuation routes if instructed by staff.
- If on the train: remain inside the car, do not attempt to exit. Hold on firmly.
- If between stations: stay calm, do not activate the emergency lever, and keep doors closed. Metro staff will indicate where to exit.
In the Metrobús:
- Follow staff instructions.
- Avoid running, shouting, and pushing.
- If at a station, stay away from edges and windows, and move to the center of the platform.
- The unit will stop completely, but do not exit. Remain calm.
In the Cablebús:
- Maintain calm and follow instructions from brigadistas or staff.
- The Cablebús will stop during an alert. If an earthquake occurs without an alert, cabins will stop gradually and resume service after the event.
- Stay in your seat.
- If installations are unaffected, service will resume immediately.
- In case of being stuck, a vertical rescue protocol is in place.
Post-Earthquake Home Inspection:
After an earthquake, inspect your home for damage:
- Check the exterior and structure for settling, tilting, or deformation.
- Look for large or diagonal cracks in walls, columns, and facades; maintain distance and seek professional help if needed.
- Verify that doors and windows open and close correctly.
- Inspect ceilings, floors, and false ceilings for cracks or detachments.
- Check gas, electrical, and plumbing installations for leaks, exposed wires, or damage.
- Secure heavy or hanging objects to prevent accidents.
- Stay calm, be alert for aftershocks, and follow official instructions.
These quick checks help identify risks and protect residents. It is important to remember that, to this day, earthquakes cannot be predicted in terms of exact date, location, or magnitude. Therefore, prevention and preparedness are the most effective measures.
Source: https://www.telediario.mx/nacional/temblor-hoy-15-enero-2026-en-vivo-noticias-sismos-en-mexico
