Key Figures and Relevance
Yucatán, a Mexican state known for its rich Mayan history and vibrant culture, is at the forefront of preparing for the 2025 hurricane season. The state hosted a National Protection Meeting, led by Governor Joaquín Díaz Mena and Laura Velázquez Alzúa, the National Coordinator of Protection Civil. This gathering brings together directors from all 32 Mexican states and 106 Yucatecan municipalities to establish coordinated preparation and prevention strategies against the upcoming season.
Meeting Objectives
- Strengthen collaboration between federal, state, and local governments, as well as military authorities,
- Share knowledge, tools, protocols, strategies, and lessons learned to enhance capabilities,
- Institutionalize a proactive approach to disaster preparedness across all government levels,
- Integrate community participation and ensure each municipality has essential tools to respond to emergencies.
Governor Díaz Mena’s Perspective
During the meeting, Governor Díaz Mena emphasized Yucatán’s resilience and strategic importance in facing hydro-meteorological challenges. He highlighted that protection civil is a daily, preventive, and strategic task, not just an emergency response. He also acknowledged the support from Mexico’s President, Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, and stressed that the meeting is crucial for building a stronger, more prepared Mexico.
National Coordinator Velázquez Alzúa’s Role
Laura Velázquez Alzúa, the National Coordinator of Protection Civil, explained that this meeting is vital for reinforcing prevention strategies and response actions against hurricanes and tropical cyclones, which conclude on November 30th.
Prominent Attendees
Notable participants in the meeting included:
- Omar David Pérez Avilés, Secretary General of Government of Yucatán State,
- Hernán Hernández Rodríguez, State Coordinator of Protection Civil in Yucatán,
- General of Brigade Cristóbal Lozano Mosqueda, Commander of the Tenth Military Region,
- Contralmirante Víctor Omar Mendoza Aguilar, Head of the Ninth Naval Zone,
- Fabián Morales López, General Director of the National Meteorological Service,
- General of Brigade Juan Carlos Guzmán Giadans, Coordinator Territorial of the Sureste Region of the National Guard,
- Héctor Sergio López Villarreal, Corporate Director of Operations at the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE),
- Carlo Emmanuel Benítez Ojeda, General Coordinator of Centers in the Secretariat of Infrastructure, Communications and Transportation,
- Eduardo Ramos Fajardo, Responsible for Security, Occupational Health and Environmental Protection in the South for Industrial Transformation at Petróleos Mexicanos (PEMEX).
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the purpose of the meeting? The National Protection Meeting aims to strengthen collaboration, share knowledge, and institutionalize proactive disaster preparedness strategies across all government levels in Mexico.
- Who are the key figures involved? Governor Joaquín Díaz Mena of Yucatán and Laura Velázquez Alzúa, the National Coordinator of Protection Civil, are leading the meeting. Notable attendees include military officials, representatives from various governmental agencies, and leaders from PEMEX.
- Why is Yucatán significant in this context? Yucatán’s strategic location and proven resilience make it a crucial player in preparing for hurricanes and tropical cyclones. The state’s efforts will contribute to a more prepared and resilient Mexico.
