Background on the Situation and Key Figures
The Mexican capital, Mexico City, has allocated 65 million pesos in emergency aid for residents affected by recent floods. This amount covers previous contingencies before the record-breaking rains on September 27th. The coordinated census with local governments and the federal government reports 2,000 affected households during this year’s rainy season.
Clara Burgada, the head of Mexico City’s government, mentioned in a press conference that the federal government will also contribute additional resources to tackle the emergency costs. She stated, “We agreed that half of the initial emergency support we provide could assist the federal government.”
Government Response and Additional Measures
In addition to the emergency aid, Mexico City’s administration has invested 2.2 billion pesos in hydraulic infrastructure during its first year in office. This sum is complemented by 1.5 billion pesos spent on immediate response equipment, with another 900 million pesos planned for specialized equipment.
On September 27th, the capital experienced the most intense rainfall in 34 years, with an accumulated 91 millimeters of precipitation. This volume, equivalent to over 31 million cubic meters of water, tripled the threshold of 30 millimeters considered the starting point for severe complications. In just 20-25 minutes, 40 to 50 millimeters were recorded.
The floods primarily affected colonies such as Ejército de Oriente Zona Peñón, Santa María Aztahuacán, and San José Tláhuac in the Iztapalapa and Tláhuac demarcations.
Long-term Solutions and Collaboration
As part of the measures to mitigate flooding in Mexico City’s eastern zone, the capital’s government announced the construction of a regulating dam in the Ermita site, located in Santa María Aztahuacán, Iztapalapa alcaldía. Burgada explained, “Yesterday, while touring Santa María Aztahuacán, we identified Ermita as the ideal location for a regulating dam. The community has always opposed a private complex there, making it the perfect spot for this crucial infrastructure.”
Currently, negotiations are underway with the landowners, and Burgada stated, “We’re in talks with the owners of this plot, and we will ensure this vital project is completed to protect the people from future flooding.”
Post-emergency, the city plans to update its infrastructure since some collectors have lost their conduction capacity. Burgada mentioned, “We’re updating topographic surveys and conducting video inspections of collectors to develop new executive projects for the rehabilitation and modernization of the network.”
Collaboration with the State of Mexico’s government and the National Water Commission (Conagua) is essential for metropolitan projects, such as canals leading to the Túnel Emisor Oriente or other regulating dams. The goal is to “channel water to various reservoirs” and create a drainage system for the entire basin.
“These projects involve multiple collectors and regulating dams, ensuring preparedness for any rainfall scenario,” emphasized José Mario Esparza, head of the Integrated Water Management Secretariat (Segiagua).
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the total amount allocated for emergency aid? Mexico City has allocated 65 million pesos in emergency aid for flood victims.
- How many households were affected by the floods? The coordinated census reports 2,000 affected households during this year’s rainy season.
- What additional measures is the government taking to address flooding? The government has invested in hydraulic infrastructure, immediate response equipment, and plans to update collectors post-emergency.
- What is the planned long-term solution for flood mitigation? The construction of a regulating dam in the Ermita site, Santa María Aztahuacán, is a priority to prevent future flooding.
- How is the government collaborating to tackle flooding issues? Mexico City’s government is working with the State of Mexico’s government and Conagua on metropolitan projects, such as canals and drainage systems.
