Baja on Watch, But No Need to Panic

Tsunami Advisory Hits Pacific—Baja on Watch, But No Need to Panic

Baja California México – July 29 and 30, 2025. A massive 8.7 magnitude earthquake off Russia’s east coast triggered tsunami alerts across the Pacific, including a Naval Tsunami Advisory (CAT‑SEMAR) for parts of Baja California. But here’s the real scoop: no evacuations, no panic—just a heads-up.

The advisory covers coastal areas from Ensenada down to Baja California Sur, including San Felipe, Playas de Rosarito, Tijuana, and San Quintín. According to CAT-SEMAR, wave heights are expected between 0.3 and 1.0 meters—that’s about knee-deep for most folks. It’s considered a sea surge, not a full-blown tsunami.

The U.S. National Weather Service also issued alerts for Hawai‘i and parts of Alaska, with Japan monitoring its Pacific coast. But again—no evacuations have been ordered anywhere in Mexico.

So, is this serious? Yes. Is it dangerous for Baja right now? Not likely. The Mexican Navy recommends staying off the beach, avoiding small boats, and watching for unusual sea activity between the afternoon and evening hours.

What Baja Residents Should Do

Action StepWhy It Matters
Stay away from beaches and waterfrontsEven small surges can generate dangerous currents
Follow official updates onlyAvoid panic from viral but inaccurate posts
Monitor port traffic announcementsCoordinated shifts may occur overnight
Be cautious of shipping or waves in harborsSudden sea movements could reach 1 m or more

What This Means for Baja Locals

While headlines sound dramatic, Baja’s coastal towns are used to nature putting on a show. Local emergency services are monitoring the situation. There’s no disruption to transportation, and all border crossings remain open.

If you’re in San Felipe, Rosarito, or along the Ensenada coast, it’s a good time to skip your paddleboard sessionbut don’t cancel dinner plans. Just keep your eyes on updates from Protección Civil, CAT‑SEMAR, or X (formerly Twitter) accounts from Baja’s civil defense agencies.

And don’t worry, Estero Beach is still standing—but maybe order that margarita a bit further from the shore today.

Ensenada Makes Important Overhaul on Main but Beat-Up Highway

Dust off your patience—roadwork is back in town. The City of Ensenada just kicked off a major pavement rebuild on the Ensenada-Tecate highway, right between the El Sauzal traffic node and Emiliano Zapata Street. And yes, it’s going to slow you down—but there’s light at the end of the construction zone.

Mayor Claudia Agatón Muñiz says the project will tear up and replace over 5,200 square meters of crumbling roadway with tough-as-nails hydraulic concrete. It’s the kind of stuff that lasts—and at 25 centimeters thick, it’s built to take a beating from Baja’s relentless traffic and heat.

The price tag? A cool 8.8 million pesos, coming straight from the federal fund known as FORTAMUN—the Fund for Strengthening Municipalities. And while detours and traffic jams are guaranteed, the city insists it’ll be worth it once the pavement’s done and smooth sailing returns.

In the meantime, the mayor’s asking drivers to take it easy, drive carefully, and expect slowdowns. With heavy equipment, lane closures, and inevitable backups, she recommends giving yourself a little extra time to get where you’re going—and maybe leave the road rage at home.

While this stretch is under the knife, the city says the long-term payoff is fewer potholes, smoother drives, and better flow between Ensenada and Tecate. So next time you’re stuck behind a bulldozer in Sauzal, just remember: you’re helping build a better commute. Eventually.

Got somewhere to be? Either leave early or bring snacks. This road’s not going to fix itself overnight.

400 Specialized Agents Arrive to Reinforce Security in Tijuana

400 Federal Agents Arrive to Boost Security in Baja California

Their mission: strengthen public safety in high-risk neighborhoods.

This week, 400 specialized agents were deployed to Tijuana as part of Mexico’s National Security Strategy.

The operation targets areas like Lomas Taurinas, Sánchez Taboada, Otay, Terrazas del Valle, San Antonio de los Buenos, Camino Verde, Emperadores, and Downtown.

Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila announced the reinforcements as a response to growing concerns over crime. Additionally, she confirmed plans to expand the city’s surveillance network in the coming months.

“These efforts are meant to improve response times and increase police visibility where it’s needed most,” the governor stated.

However, not everyone is convinced.

The Baja California Lawyers Association (FEDABO) raised concerns, calling the move a “failed formula.” According to them, sending more federal agents without adjusting strategy has shown little long-term impact in the past.

Still, authorities insist this collaboration between state and federal forces is essential to restoring peace in Tijuana.

At the Gringo Gazette North, we’ll be watching this closely. After all, safety isn’t just a number—it’s what makes Baja feel like home.

400 Specialized Agents Arrive
400 Specialized Agents Arrive