Background on Chapula, Hidalgo
Chapula is a community located in Tianguistengo, Hidalgo, one of the areas severely impacted by recent climatic events. The Mexican state’s governor, Julio Menchaca, announced that Chapula is no longer habitable due to the heavy rains.
Current Situation in Chapula
During a supervision tour, Governor Menchaca stated that Chapula can no longer be inhabited. He mentioned that approximately 144 residents, along with their two dogs, had been evacuated. The community was built near the riverbank, and rising waters destroyed all the houses, leaving only remnants of their former existence.
Menchaca assured that if necessary, his government would acquire land to relocate affected families.
Relocation Strategy and Government Coordination
The relocation strategy targets communities situated in high-risk areas, such as riverbeds or slopes. The Secretaría de Desarrollo Agrario, Territorial y Urbano (Sedatu) will coordinate the process to safely relocate families.
Progress in Recovery Efforts
Laura Velázquez Alzúa, the national coordinator of Protección Civil, reported that 197 out of 288 damaged roads have been rehabilitated. Work continues on the most affected stretches, particularly in Hidalgo, where 65% progress has been made. Additionally, 99.75% of electricity services have been restored across the five affected states: Puebla, Veracruz, Hidalgo, Querétaro, and San Luis Potosí.
Updated Casualty Figures
The federal government’s microsite, which tracks damage and support for affected municipalities, reported an increase in the death toll to 79. Meanwhile, the number of missing persons decreased to 19.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is Chapula, and why is it significant? Chapula is a community in Tianguistengo, Hidalgo, severely impacted by recent heavy rains. Its situation is significant due to the destruction of homes and displacement of residents.
- What is the current status of Chapula? Chapula is no longer habitable due to flooding caused by heavy rains. Approximately 144 residents have been evacuated, and all homes have been destroyed.
- What is the government’s plan for relocating affected families? The government plans to acquire land and coordinate with Sedatu to safely relocate families from high-risk areas.
- What progress has been made in recovery efforts? 197 out of 288 damaged roads have been rehabilitated, with 65% progress in Hidalgo. Electricity services have been restored to 99.75% across the five affected states.
- What are the updated casualty figures? The death toll has increased to 79, while the number of missing persons decreased to 19.
