In addition to the Maximum Earthquake Alert, a new alert will be activated on your cell phone to warn you about other natural phenomena, such as extreme weather conditions.
The Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (CRT) and the National Civil Protection Coordination (CNPC) announced that the system is being updated. Starting in the fourth quarter of 2026, your phone will not only ring for earthquakes, but a new “Maximum Alert” will also be added for other high-risk situations. Note: It will have a different sound than the earthquake alert so you won’t get confused.
What kinds of situations will they warn us about? This new tool will notify you about hurricanes, floods, fires, volcanic activity, and landslides. But that’s not all—Civil Protection alerts will also be added, which will be sent to you as a regular text message using the ringtone you already have set on your device.
These alerts will give you advance warning—hours or days in advance—of adverse weather conditions and environmental emergencies, such as heavy rain, extreme cold fronts, heat waves, or poor air quality.
It’s worth noting that you don’t need a phone balance or an internet connection to receive alerts; nor will you be able to turn them off.
The main goal of all this is to give you time to take preventive measures, evacuate, or seek shelter before, during, and after any emergency. So now you know—stay very attentive to your device, because this new cell phone alert for natural phenomena is designed to keep you safe at all times.
