Introduction
In the midst of scandals involving tax evasion, Senator Adán Augusto López Hernández’s misconduct, and pressures from the United States, disaster struck five Mexican states: Veracruz, Puebla, Hidalgo, San Luis Potosí, and Querétaro. Unlike her predecessor, Presidenta Sheinbaum visited the affected states. However, her attempts to divert attention from ongoing issues using the recent floods backfired, turning yet another challenge into criticism.
Sheinbaum’s Reputation and Challenges
Sheinbaum, often compared to King Midas whose touch turned everything to gold, faces the opposite effect. Regardless of the topic, she seems to score an “own goal,” largely due to the heavy legacy left by her predecessor, López Obrador. This burden consists of oppositional legislators, inefficient or corrupt governors, and now even criticism from within her own party, such as Paco Ignacio Taibo II’s comments about a potential book collection of works by women writers.
Mismanagement of Flood Relief Efforts
Instead of diverting attention from the flood-related issues, Sheinbaum and other officials have turned these devastating rains into another problem. As a result, flood relief efforts receive less attention in daily briefings, and there are growing calls to end the emergency declaration despite the ongoing struggles of thousands.
Failures in Preparation and Response
Sheinbaum, along with other state and local leaders, failed to adequately prepare for and respond to the disaster. There was a lack of foresight and timely warnings to the population, despite the Servicio Meteorológico Nacional issuing risk-laden weather alerts starting October 6. The governments, both federal and state, ignored these warnings.
- Delayed Alerts: The crucial alert should have been issued on October 10 when the same source warned of potentially heavy rains. However, no action was taken.
- Misjudging Intensity: Sheinbaum now claims they were aware of the possibility of heavy rains but underestimated their intensity. This defense is absurd, as it’s better to overprepare and avoid regret later.
Criticism of State Leaders’ Responses
Puebla Governor Alejandro Armenta and Veracruz Governor Rocío Nahle have been widely criticized for their poor handling of the disaster. They downplayed the situation and attempted to shirk responsibility. The slow response to affected individuals highlights a lack of organization and comprehensive disaster management plans.
Government’s Questionable Actions
Parallel to the disaster response, there have been questionable government actions. Efforts were made to control civilian and organizational aid, allegedly for orderly distribution. Moreover, using MORENA-branded bags for aid delivery suggests an attempt to position officials as “saviors.” These actions reflect the notion of ruinous behavior, as described by Sheinbaum herself.
Current Situation and Insufficient Responses
Two weeks after the disaster began, several issues require immediate attention. Price gouging on essential goods, such as eggs reportedly selling for 250 pesos per kilogram, has been noted. Sheinbaum claims inspectors from PROFECO have been dispatched to address this. Additionally, oil and sewage contamination of rivers persists, with Sheinbaum stating that three companies are working on the problem.
These responses appear insufficient and demagogic, as the government attempts to conceal its inefficiency by distributing appliances, food supplies, and cash.
