During the last days, Several regions of Mexico and Central America have faced a complicated outlook due to heavy rains. and uninterrupted associated with both tropical storms and low pressure waves. This phenomenon has triggered landslides, floods and numerous structural damages in different locations, putting authorities and citizens on alert.
Increased rainfall has been attributed to the presence of systems such as the Tropical Storm Dalila and the recent formation of Tropical Storm Erick, which, together with low-pressure channels, have accentuated atmospheric instability in southern, southeastern, and central states of Mexico, as well as in parts of El Salvador.
Alerts and emergency actions in Mexico and El Salvador
The authorities of Civil Protection in El Salvador They have declared a green alert due to the arrival of tropical rains that can lead to floods and landslides, especially in coastal areas, the volcanic mountain range, and the east of the country. Meanwhile, in Mexico, The National Guard activated emergency plans in southern states, being Guerrero, Oaxaca, Chiapas and Veracruz some of the entities with the greatest impacts and risk.
In the CDMX and surrounding municipalities, The recent rains knocked down trees, caused landslides and caused dozens of puddles.Authorities had to close roads, evacuate people, and clear debris to restore traffic and safety, especially in areas that are typically vulnerable due to their topography and aging infrastructure.
Some of the measures adopted include Preventive patrols, road flagging and cleaning of drains to reduce flood risks. The National Guard, in coordination with other agencies, has increased its presence at strategic points and is urging the public to remain calm and follow official recommendations.
States and areas with the highest risk of landslides
Heavy rains have a greater impact on Guerrero, Oaxaca, Chiapas, Veracruz, Puebla and the State of Mexico, as well as different regions of the CDMXThere are particularly exposed coastal and mountainous regions where water carries away soil and mud, causing landslides and damage to homes, many of them built with non-resistant materials.
El National Meteorological Service (SMN) points out that the accumulation of precipitation can cause, in addition to landslides, Rising levels of rivers and streams, flooding, and falling trees and poles. There are also conditions of high waves on the coasts of the South Pacific, with wind gusts exceeding 70 km/h and waves of up to 3.5 meters.
Urban areas They are not without risks either. In the capital, incidents included collapsed roofs in neighborhoods, flooding in overpasses, and overflowing manholes, affecting homes, commercial premises, and parked vehicles. Although the emergency services' response has been swift, material damage is in the dozens, and residents' concerns about their safety increase with each storm.
Preventive measures and recommendations for the population
Faced with the prospect of continuous rains and landslides, The authorities have issued a series of recommendations To minimize risks and protect the integrity of people:
- Identify safe evacuation routes and temporary shelters available locally.
- Avoid crossing rivers, streams or flooded streets, although the depth does not seem significant.
- Keep important documents, radio, flashlight and first aid kit on hand.
- Do not build or stay near unstable slopes or waterways..
- Follow the recommendations and warnings of Civil Protection and not return to damaged homes until official confirmation.
- Report any incident to 911 or to local emergency services to expedite the response.
The population of rural municipalities and vulnerable urban neighborhoods is especially exposed, so Information, prevention and collaboration with the authorities are crucial to avoid major disasters. In many of these areas, the risk increases due to the precariousness of housing and the proximity to ravines, slopes, and natural waterways.
The heavy rains make it clear that Landslides and floods continue to be a recurring threat during the rainy season, demanding both authorities and citizens to reinforce the prevention, surveillance and preparedness in the face of every meteorological threat.
