Natural Disaster and Criminal Undercurrents in Veracruz
On October 19, Héctor Ríos Morales published an article on latintimes.com titled “Mexican Areas Hit by Devastating Floods Also Struggle With Severe Cartel Violence,” describing both the natural and criminal aspects of a double tragedy in Veracruz. Heavy rains from October 8 to 11 caused torrential flooding, inundating entire communities governed by cartels. Simultaneously, river overflows and eroding authority exacerbated the situation.
- Rivers Cazones and Tuxpan overflowed, flooding 40 communities and leaving over 76 dead and 39 missing.
- Poza Rica, Álamo Temapache, and Tuxpan remain partially isolated with destroyed roads and more than 30 villages cut off.
- The government deployed over 10,000 soldiers, marines, and national guards, but the situation surpassed their response capacity.
- In Poza Rica, evacuation orders were issued seven hours after the Conagua alert.
President Claudia Sheinbaum’s Visits and Political Significance
From October 12 to October 19, President Claudia Sheinbaum visited affected areas in Veracruz and other states including Hidalgo, Puebla, Querétaro, San Luis Potosí, and Tamaulipas.
Unlike her predecessor, who often reacted to disasters with distance, Sheinbaum personally visits the affected zones. This direct engagement sends a signal of authority and empathy, crucial in a country plagued by distrust. People need to see that power exists and someone is listening and responding, or else a local strongman or cartel will occupy that space and legitimacy.
Criminal Organizations’ Exploitation of State Failure
According to a leaked report from the Secretaría de la Defensa Nacional, at least seven criminal organizations operate in Veracruz: the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, Gulf Cartel, Northeast Cartel, and Sinaloa Cartel. The report aligns with reality, as these groups exert influence in Poza Rica, Tuxpan, Álamo, Tempoal, and Pánuco, controlling drug trafficking routes, fuel, and migrant smuggling.
In these regions, cartels capitalize on state neglect by positioning themselves as benefactors. For instance, the CJNG distributed food packages with their logo in Álamo, not out of charity but to assert power when the state fails to act promptly.
Political and Institutional Fallout from the Disaster
The environmental catastrophe exposed institutional weaknesses, lack of preparedness, and over-reliance on the military for disaster response, particularly in Veracruz. The floods revealed corruption, neglect, and fear within the system.
Challenges Ahead: Transforming Presence into Results
While Sheinbaum’s presence is politically significant, her visits, censuses, and speeches serve as palliatives rather than solutions. The issue is structural, requiring transformation of her presence into tangible results.
- Strengthen civil protection systems
- Professionalize local police forces
- Close the gaps exploited by criminals when the state falters
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Claudia Sheinbaum? Claudia Sheinbaum is the current Head of Government of Mexico City and previously served as the Federal Environmental Evaluation Commission (CENEVAL) president and Secretary of Environment and Sustainable Development for Mexico City.
- Why is her presence significant in affected areas? Her direct engagement signals authority and empathy, crucial in a distrustful country where people need to see that power exists and someone is listening and responding.
- What criminal organizations are active in Veracruz? According to a leaked report, at least seven criminal organizations operate in Veracruz: the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, Gulf Cartel, Northeast Cartel, and Sinaloa Cartel.
- What are the structural challenges in addressing disasters? The issues are structural, requiring transformation of presence into tangible results such as strengthening civil protection systems, professionalizing local police forces, and closing gaps exploited by criminals when the state falters.
