Overview and Background
Querétaro, Qro. Intense rainfall over the weekend led to various impacts across the region, including a substantial decline in sales for local businesses. René Loya Poletti, the interim president of Querétaro’s Chamber of Commerce, shared this information.
Impact on Businesses
The heavy precipitation on Friday resulted in sales drops of up to 80% for some establishments, particularly those located in the Historic Center. These businesses also experienced power outages from 8:30 PM to midnight.
“There have been significant impacts from the rain, affecting almost the entire city. The Historic Center was one of the most affected areas, with heavy rainfall, flooding, and power outages from 8:30 PM until around midnight. The estimated sales loss is up to 80% due to the rain,” Loya Poletti explained.
On Saturday, 30% of the Chamber’s members decided to close their businesses due to rain forecasts, resulting in a 100% loss of sales for that day. “On Saturday, in consensus with the state government, many businesses decided not to open due to the rain forecast. Around 30% of the registered businesses in the Chamber chose not to open, resulting in a 100% sales loss. The commitment of the Chamber’s business owners is to look after the well-being of their employees’ families and, on the other hand, their customers,” Loya Poletti stated.
The Chamber continues to receive reports from its members to assess the impact of the rain on the sector.
Consequences
The intense rainfall on Friday caused various impacts across the entity. Initial reports from Querétaro’s Municipal Coordination of Civil Protection mentioned the deaths of two individuals who were allegedly swept away by rainwater. The State Coordination of Civil Protection (CEPCQ) reported flooded streets and water entering homes in the Félix Osores Sotomayor and Felipe Carrillo Puerto delegations in the capital.
On Saturday night, Governor Mauricio Kuri González reported that the magnitude of this phenomenon led to significant rainfall equivalent to 25% of an annual average within a few hours. He also reported two fatalities, one missing person, and material damages primarily in the Peñuelas, Menchaca, and Carrillo Puerto colonies.
Government Response
To address the situation, six state and municipal emergency shelters were set up, and food was distributed to 4,600 people. Governor Kuri also contacted the Secretary of Government, Rosa Isela Rodríguez, and Subsecretary of Infrastructure, Juan Carlos Fuentes. A coordination meeting was held with the federal government, state cabinet, and metropolitan council.
Implementation of Plan DN-III
In response to this emergency, the Plan DN-III was implemented, involving elements from the Secretariat of National Defense (Sedena), civil protection, and workers from various state and municipal departments. The state government reported ongoing cleanup efforts in the capital’s Carrillo Puerto colony.
Governor Kuri urged the population to follow authorities’ recommendations and stay updated on official channels.
Weather Forecast
The CEPCQ warned of expected thunderstorms on Sunday afternoon and night, predicting a decrease in heavy rainfall starting Monday. However, a low-pressure system and a tropical wave over the Mexican Pacific will continue to impact the region, with potential cyclone formation.
Javier Amaya Torres, the CEPCQ’s general director, advised the public to stay indoors unless necessary and take precautions if going out. In case of emergencies, he recommended contacting emergency services at 911.
Key Questions and Answers
- What caused the significant sales drop for Querétaro businesses? Intense rainfall on Friday led to power outages and customer absence, causing a sales decline of up to 80% for some establishments.
- How did the state government respond to the emergency? The state government set up six emergency shelters, distributed food to affected individuals, and coordinated with federal and local authorities.
- What measures should the public take in light of ongoing weather conditions? The public is advised to stay indoors unless necessary, take precautions if going out, and contact emergency services (911) in case of emergencies.
