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Manual Test Triggers False Quake Alarm in Mexico City as Scientists Track Naucalpan Microquakes

CIRES said a maintenance transmission caused Friday’s alarm activation, as SSN data confirm recent shallow tremors in Naucalpan without damage.

Overview

  • At 15:05 local time Friday, the quake alarm sounded in parts of southern and eastern Mexico City, prompting precautionary evacuations including at UNAM, but no seismic event was recorded.
  • CIRES acknowledged the sound originated from a manual test on SASMEX’s secondary diffusion system via Channel 1 (162.400 MHz) during maintenance, and issued an apology.
  • The SSN stated it detected no quake warranting alerting and reiterated that it monitors seismicity but does not operate the alert system; the C5 said its infrastructure did not issue the signal.
  • On Thursday, the SSN logged three very shallow events in Naucalpan—magnitudes 2.3, 2.5, and 1.6 at about 1 km depth—felt in nearby CDMX areas with no reported injuries or damage and below alert thresholds.
  • UNAM-affiliated teams have installed instruments and are studying a possible 3.4 km local fault in Naucalpan as authorities continue monitoring activity and emphasize preparedness protocols.