Background on Querétaro and its Relevance
Querétaro, a central Mexican state known for its colonial architecture and thriving industries, recently faced severe weather conditions. The state government declared a state of emergency following intense rainfall on August 22 in the municipalities of Querétaro, Corregidora, and El Marqués within the Zona Metropolitana. This declaration aims to address the significant damages and risks faced by residents in terms of health, physical integrity, property, and the environment.
Heavy Rainfall and its Impact
According to the National Water Commission (CONAGUA), heavy rainfall (25-50 mm) was expected on August 22, and very heavy rainfall (50-75 mm) was forecasted for August 23. The State Water Commission (CEA) recorded a substantial increase in rainfall accumulation over 24 hours across various monitoring stations in Querétaro, El Marqués, and Corregidora. Some stations exceeded the CEA’s classification thresholds, with accumulations surpassing 40 mm, classified as “very high.”
Consequences of the Intense Rainfall
These extraordinary rainfall conditions led to significant impacts on the population’s well-being and material damages, including residential properties, movable and immovable goods, roadways, infrastructure, and public services. The urgency for coordinated and immediate attention from authorities to mitigate consequences, strengthen community resilience, and safeguard lives, integrity, and property was emphasized.
Decreto’s Guidelines
The decree instructs state executive branch departments and entities to:
– Implement immediate actions addressing the damages within their jurisdiction.
– Report on rainfall, risk zones, evacuation routes, shelters, and aid distribution.
– Conduct cleanup and waste collection efforts.
– Restore affected stormwater and road infrastructure.
The State Coordination of Civil Protection in Querétaro (CEPCQ) is tasked with:
– Launching mass awareness campaigns for prevention during the 2025 rainy season and tropical storm period.
– Creating risk diagnoses, rainfall maps, and flood prevention strategies.
Preventive Measures
The CEPCQ is also responsible for disseminating preventive measures, such as:
– Exercising extreme caution while outdoors due to strong winds that can turn objects into projectiles.
– Seeking refuge in solidly built houses and buildings during severe weather.
– Avoiding crossing riverbeds, streams, fords, and low-lying areas.
– Reporting fallen trees or power poles immediately to emergency services (911).
– Driving cautiously.
Resources and Collaboration
State departments are directed to allocate human, material, and financial resources to address the needs of residents. The Secretariat for Public Security (SSC) is tasked with ensuring public safety and property protection through vigilance actions. Municipalities are encouraged to collaborate in these strategies, with the decree remaining in effect until official weather forecasts improve.
Damages and Assistance
Heavy rains caused severe damage to 280 homes, as reported by Querétaro’s Secretary of Government, Eric Gudiño Torres. Over 2,600 people and 2,200 homes received support, with 280 experiencing significant damage. The assistance efforts involved 239 brigades and 1,200 officials.
- Distributed 730 food packages, 6,200 food kits, 4,350 water bottles, over 14,000 sandbags, more than 2,000 cleaning kits, and 200 blankets.
- Established three shelters in the capital city.
- Performed drainage and water supply restoration in affected areas.
Warnings and Updates
Secretary Gudiño Torres warned of potential storms during the weekend’s afternoon and night, urging residents to stay indoors and remain informed.
