No, September is not earthquake month in Mexico City

The single most useful takeaway: September is not the month to be extra vigilant about earthquakes in Mexico City. While the fear is real, scientific evidence shows that any month can see seismic activity.

What's changing

Despite the popular belief that September 19 is a day to dread, the National Seismological Service (SSN) records show that there are more earthquakes in December. Mexico City residents can breathe a sigh of relief that the seismic alerts are not exclusively tied to this month.

What it means for residents

It's important for expats and digital nomads living in Mexico City to understand that while the fear of earthquakes is real, it's not scientifically grounded. The city has some of the world's best-trained rescue brigades, and regular drills are an essential part of preparedness.

While the fear of September 19 is deeply ingrained, it's crucial to recognize that earthquakes can happen any time. The SSN acknowledges that predicting earthquakes is impossible, focusing instead on preventive measures to mitigate the impact.

Preparing for the unexpected

Regular earthquake drills, which might have been a source of dread in the past, are now seen as necessary. These drills help residents and visitors alike to react quickly and effectively in case of an earthquake.

For those who live in fear of the seismic alerts, it's important to remember that while the alerts are real, they are part of a broader system of preparedness. The technology used by the SSN is not predictive, but it helps maintain a record of seismic activity, which is crucial for ongoing preparedness efforts.