Puerto Vallarta will take part in a statewide Macro Drill on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at 11:00 am, joining communities across Jalisco in a large-scale exercise designed to strengthen emergency preparedness and reinforce lifesaving response skills.
Organized by the Jalisco State Civil Protection and Fire Department, the drill, titled “Jalisco Prepared for Disasters,” aims to build a stronger culture of prevention by encouraging active participation from government agencies, businesses, schools, hospitals, and residents.
The simulated scenario will involve an 8.0 magnitude earthquake originating in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Chamela in the municipality of La Huerta, at a depth of 13 kilometers. Under this scenario, coastal areas are expected to experience strong to severe shaking, with simulated impacts that may include damage to vulnerable infrastructure, interruptions to basic services, and the activation of evacuation protocols.
As part of the exercise, authorities will also simulate a tsunami with waves exceeding five meters. The waves are expected to “arrive” between seven and 14 minutes after the simulated earthquake. Coastal communities such as Chamela, Punta Pérula, Melaque, and Barra de Navidad will practice evacuating to higher ground, restricting shoreline access, and implementing safety measures to protect residents and visitors.
Officials emphasize that drills like this are essential in Mexico, which lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, one of the world’s most seismically active regions due to the interaction of the Cocos and North American tectonic plates. Historical earthquakes and tsunamis, including major events in 1900, 1932, and 2017, as well as the powerful 1787 “San Sixto” tsunami, demonstrate the importance of being prepared.
During the presentation of the upcoming exercise, State Civil Protection Director Sergio Ramírez López highlighted the shared responsibility of preparedness. He noted that participating in drills helps save lives, reduce risks, and strengthen communities’ ability to respond effectively during real emergencies.
Previous drills have shown strong community engagement across Jalisco. During the National Macro Drill held on September 19, 2025, more than 2.95 million people participated statewide, representing a 40.5 percent increase compared to earlier exercises. Nearly 20,000 buildings were evacuated during that event, demonstrating growing awareness and readiness among residents and institutions.
To support participation, the Jalisco State Civil Protection and Fire Department offers virtual training tools that teach residents how to respond before, during, and after an earthquake. These resources also help participants identify evacuation routes, understand safety procedures, and prepare homes and workplaces for emergencies.
State and local authorities stress that this exercise is designed for everyone. From families at home to employees in offices and students in schools, every participant plays an important role in building safer communities.
Residents and businesses interested in joining the May 6 Macro-Drill can register their properties or workplaces through the official Civil Protection website. Updates and additional information will also be shared through the official @PCJalisco19 and @PCivilVallarta social media channels.
Officials say preparation today can make a critical difference tomorrow, and strong community participation remains key to protecting lives and strengthening resilience across Puerto Vallarta and the state of Jalisco.
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