An Impressive hailstorm in the Tacaná Volcano Biosphere ReserveOn the border between Mexico and Guatemala, the ice has completely transformed the mountain landscape and forced the suspension of ascents to the summit. The ice accumulated on the trails, shelters, and communities in the highlands has created a striking yet dangerous scene, in which authorities have prioritized the safety of visitors and residents.
In recent days, a combination of factors has emerged. heavy rains, hail fall and a marked drop in temperaturesThis has triggered a series of exceptional measures: closure of access points, rescue of trapped mountaineers, operation of shelters at maximum capacity, and an insistent appeal not to attempt to climb the colossus while extreme conditions persist.
Historic hailstorm and preventative closure of the ascent
On Sunday night and early Monday morning, a particularly intense hailstorm on the Tacaná volcanoThe main ascent routes, exceeding 4.000 meters in altitude, were covered in a thick layer of ice. Civil Protection of Unión Juárez and the management of the Biosphere Reserve agreed to the immediate closure of access to mountaineers, a preventative measure that will remain in effect. indefinitely until the weather improves and the risk on the trails is reduced.
Local authorities emphasize that It's not about snow, but about compacted hailwhich forms a very slippery and treacherous surface. This type of ice significantly increases the likelihood of falls, slips, and injuries, both on the paths and in the rocky areas near the summit, which is why the traditional tourist ascent has been closed.
During the Christmas season, the Tacaná volcano usually receives around five thousand mountaineersThis makes any extreme weather event a logistical and security challenge. The Unión Juárez City Council and the National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (Conanp) insist that the closure is a necessary measure to prevent tragedies in an environment that, despite its beauty, It has turned hostile in a matter of hours.
Rescue of visitors caught in the ice
The hailstorm not only forced the closure of the ascent, but also It left dozens of people trapped on the mountainAccording to reports from the authorities, around 80 visitors who were in the upper area of Tacaná had to be rescued after being unable to descend the paths covered in ice.
The Secretary of Civil Protection of Unión Juárez, Eduardo David Pérez de LeónHe explained that a special protocol was activated to locate and assist the groups scattered at different points on the volcano. rescue teams They traveled to the reserve and coordinated the transfer of those affected to the shelters known as Houses of Firewhich are already operating at maximum capacity.
The shelters remain open as temporary shelterswhere people receive shelter and basic care while weather conditions do not permit a safe descent. Although no fatalities have been reported, details are provided minor injuries such as sprains, strains, and bumps, associated with falls on slippery ground.
An additional problem is that Not all mountaineers register at the control module before beginning the ascent, which complicates the identification and location of visitors in emergency situations. Authorities have used this incident to emphasize the importance of complying with established protocols, as a simple registration can crucially expedite search and rescue efforts.
Communities covered in hail and extreme cold
The impact of the phenomenon is not limited to high mountain areas. accumulation of hail The snow completely blanketed the communities of Talquián and Chiquihuite, located at approximately 2.200 and 2.400 meters above sea level, respectively. In these towns, the landscape was carpeted in white, as if it had snowed, creating a scene as surprising as it was worrying for the residents.
Meteorological measurements recorded temperatures that reached as low as -6 ºC In these areas, temperatures have reached an unusual level, classified as extreme cold for the region. This sudden drop in temperature, coupled with hail falling on roofs, roads, and crops, has forced residents to take extra precautions during their daily commutes and to protect their homes.
In the urban part of the region, as in Comitán de DomínguezHailstorms accompanied by heavy rain have also been reported. Civil Protection intervened in at least four homes in the Los Laureles and Los Sabinos neighborhoods for remove the ice from the roofs and to remove the accumulated water, where the level of flooding reached about 15 centimeters, with preventive cordoning off of some streets to avoid incidents with vehicles.
All of this context has led institutions to maintain a constant monitoring of temperatures and ice conditions During the following days, with the aim of anticipating possible complications and continuing to determine if it is feasible to gradually reopen routes and services in the area.
Cold front 25, North wind event and health risks
The intense hailstorm in Tacaná is directly linked to cold front number 25The storm, which crosses southeastern Mexico and has interacted with a low-pressure system, has generated persistent rain, thunderstorms, and hail in several areas of Chiapas. At the highest elevations of the volcano, there has also been an eruption. North event, with strong winds and frosts, which have favored temperatures of up to -2 ºC in the upper part and even lower values in some specific points.
Conanp and Civil Protection have stressed that these conditions not only imply a physical hazard due to the instability of the terrainbut also a serious health risk for those who venture to climb without proper preparation. Among the most frequently mentioned problems are hypothermia, frostbite, altitude sickness, and an increased risk of falls with potential fractures.
The large amount of water that It trickles down the paths and dampens the rocks This makes the terrain extremely slippery, a scenario in which even a small lapse in concentration can have serious consequences. For this reason, the official message is unequivocal: any attempt to ascend in these circumstances is reckless and puts both climbers and rescue teams at risk.
Official forecasts indicate that The rain, hail, and low temperatures could continue at least for the next 48 hours, so the restrictive measures and the permanent monitoring of the evolution of the frontal system over the Tacaná region and neighboring municipalities will be maintained.
A call for prudence and protection of a unique space
Given the interest generated by this striking phenomenon, the authorities have issued Both Civil Protection and Conanp ask the public to respect access restrictions, heed the recommendations of certified guides, and stay informed exclusively through official channels before planning any visit to the area.
The Tacaná volcano, known in the Mame language as “House of Fire”It is much more than an attraction for mountaineers: it is part of the world network of Biosphere Reserves recognized by UNESCO and is home to ecosystems of very high biological value, such as the highest montane mesophilic forest in Mexico, pine-oak forests and tall and medium evergreen forests.
The combination of a highly fragile environmental setting with increasingly intense weather events This necessitates strengthening a culture of prevention and respect for the rules governing the use of these protected areas. The institutions reiterate that the priority is to safeguard human life and well-being, as well as to prevent further damage to a natural area of immense ecological and touristic importance.
While waiting for the cold front to weaken, the recommendation is clear: Do not climb the Tacaná volcano, avoid unauthorized routes, and postpone mountain activities. Until further notice. The spectacle of the hailstorm over the colossus can be enjoyed later, when access is reopened under safe conditions for everyone.
What happened at the Tacaná volcano paints a powerful picture of the force of the weather: a volcanic landscape covered in ice, dozens of people rescued, and a first-rate nature reserve subjected to such an extraordinary and dangerous event. The closure measures, the deployment of Civil Protection, and the coordinated response of the authorities show that, in the face of these types of extreme events, The priority remains the safety of those who visit and live in the regionas well as the preservation of a unique environment that, in a few hours, has gone from being an adventure destination to a reminder of human vulnerability in the face of nature.
