Researchers Map Flood-Prone Areas in the Valley of Mexico
Researchers from the Institute of Geography at UNAM have conducted a detailed mapping exercise, identifying areas in the Valley of Mexico most susceptible to flooding using satellite images from the Sentinel-1 radar of the European Space Agency.
High-Risk Colonies
- La Laguna Ticomán and Lindavista in Gustavo A. Madero alcaldía
- Parque Tezozómoc and the former 18 de marzo refinery area in Azcapotzalco
- Reforma Social and Hipódromo de las Américas in Miguel Hidalgo
- Zedec Santa Fe in Cuajimalpa
- La Ciénega and areas around the Tláhuac metro station
Extended Mapping to Neighboring Municipalities in the State of Mexico
The mapping effort also included critical zones in neighboring municipalities of the State of Mexico, such as San Pedro Barrientos and Tequexquinahuac in Tlalnepantla; Los Laureles and the Ejido de Santa María Tulpetlac in Ecatepec; Santa María Tulantongo and Zaragoza in Texcoco; Izcalli Nezahualcóyotl and Chimalhuacán avenue in Nezahualcóyotl; Culturas de México and Jacalones in Chalco.
Infrastructure Limitations and the Need for Urgent Rediseño
Eduardo Vázquez, CEO of Agua Capital, explained that extraordinary rains this year, surpassing historical averages, necessitate an urgent rediseño of both urban and rural infrastructure. Most current systems were not designed to handle extreme weather events.
Water Conservation and Urban Growth Challenges
Vázquez highlighted that 59% of Mexico City’s territory is classified as conservation land, with optimal geological conditions for water infiltration. However, many of these areas—mainly in southern and western alcaldías like Milpa Alta, Xochimilco, Álvaro Obregón, Magdalena Contreras, and Cuajimalpa—are being compromised by uncontrolled urban growth.
Proposed Solutions for Water Management
Vázquez suggested implementing physical infrastructure and equipment capable of capturing large volumes of water, such as public buildings, private services, shopping centers, warehouses with extensive roofing. These structures should have efficient designs that channel, infiltrate, and store water, regulating its flow where necessary or storing it for later use while gradually directing the excess to drainage systems.
Incentivizing Rainwater Capture
Vázquez emphasized the need for government incentives to promote rainwater capture across all sectors. He also advocated making such systems mandatory for any significant public or private infrastructure.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the purpose of the mapping exercise? The researchers from UNAM’s Institute of Geography mapped vulnerable areas in the Valley of Mexico to identify zones at risk of flooding due to heavy rainfall.
- Which colonies are identified as high-risk? High-risk colonies include La Laguna Ticomán and Lindavista in Gustavo A. Madero, Parque Tezozómoc and the former 18 de marzo refinery area in Azcapotzalco, Reforma Social and Hipódromo de las Américas in Miguel Hidalgo, Zedec Santa Fe in Cuajimalpa, La Ciénega, and areas around the Tláhuac metro station.
- Why is urgent rediseño of infrastructure necessary? Extraordinary rains this year have surpassed historical averages, necessitating an urgent rediseño of both urban and rural infrastructure to handle extreme weather events.
- What challenges does uncontrolled urban growth pose? Uncontrolled urban growth compromises conservation lands with optimal geological conditions for water infiltration, primarily in southern and western alcaldías like Milpa Alta, Xochimilco, Álvaro Obregón, Magdalena Contreras, and Cuajimalpa.
- What solutions are proposed for better water management? Vázquez suggests implementing physical infrastructure and equipment capable of capturing large volumes of water, such as public buildings, private services, shopping centers, and warehouses with extensive roofing. These structures should have efficient designs that channel, infiltrate, and store water, regulating its flow where necessary or storing it for later use while gradually directing the excess to drainage systems.
- What role do incentives play in addressing flood risks? Vázquez emphasizes the need for government incentives to promote rainwater capture across all sectors and advocates making such systems mandatory for any significant public or private infrastructure.
