Heavy rains cause flooding in southern Quintana Roo, affecting multiple communities
Cancún, QR. Intense rainfall has impacted southern Quintana Roo, affecting over 12 communities where water seeped into numerous homes, flooded main roads, and caused power outages.
Mexican Navy’s Response
The Secretaría de Marina-Armada de México, through the Tenth Naval Zone, activated the Marina Plan in its Aid phase due to damages caused by atypical rains in Othón P. Blanco, Quintana Roo.
In coordination with state and municipal civil protection authorities, land units from the Mexican Navy and naval elements were deployed to assist the population in the vicinity of Río Hondo.
Rainfall Data and Impacted Areas
According to a detailed report of the past four days’ rainfall in southern Quintana Roo, the following precipitation levels were recorded:
- Pucté: 428.6 mm
- Juan Sarabia: 286.5 mm
- Sergio Butrón Casas: 207 mm
- Agua Blanca: 171.3 mm
- Nicolás Bravo: 156.4 mm
- Álvaro Obregón: 374.5 mm
- Hospital Morelos (Chetumal): 177.3 mm
- Bacalar: 236 mm
Government and Navy Collaboration
The state government reported maintaining surveillance in rural southern Quintana Roo communities due to potential impacts from water runoff originating in Campeche and Central America, resulting from intense rains left by two tropical waves.
Mara Lezama, the governor, announced that the State Coordination of Civil Protection, along with the Mexican Navy (SEMAR) and the National Defense Secretariat (Sedena), visited and provided support to affected communities such as Pedro Joaquín Coldwell, Pucté, Álvaro Obregón, Javier Rojo Gómez, Cacao, Sabidos, Cocoyol, Álvaro Obregón Viejo, Nachi Cocom, and González Ortega in Othón P. Blanco municipality, as well as San Román and Huatusco in Bacalar municipality.
Assistance and Support
Cleaning efforts were conducted on obstructed roads, and assistance was provided to families trapped during the rains, relocating them to safer locations.
Emergency shelters were opened in Javier Rojo Gómez and Álvaro Obregón, accommodating a total of 9 people with mattresses, sheets, food, and essential items. Fortunately, the water receded, allowing residents to return home after receiving food and recording their needs, as some homes suffered material losses and requested support for beds, food supplies, and basic necessities.
Governor’s Statement
Mara Lezama declared that there have been no casualties after four days of intense rainfall and emphasized that all emergency teams are prepared to address, respond to, and recover from any damage caused by a hydro-meteorological phenomenon.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who was affected by the heavy rains in Quintana Roo? More than 12 communities in southern Quintana Roo were affected, with water seeping into numerous homes, flooding main roads, and causing power outages.
- Which organizations collaborated in the response? The Mexican Navy (SEMAR), National Defense Secretariat (Sedena), and state and municipal civil protection authorities collaborated in the response efforts.
- What actions were taken to assist the affected communities? Cleaning efforts were conducted on obstructed roads, families trapped during the rains were relocated to safer locations, and emergency shelters were opened to provide accommodation, food, and essential items.
- What is the current situation in the affected areas? The governor reported no casualties after four days of intense rainfall, and all emergency teams are prepared for any potential damage from hydro-meteorological phenomena.
