Mexico City, December 13 – The government of Mexico City has issued an emergency declaration for nine of its boroughs, citing significant damage caused by sinkholes and widespread flooding. The decision, published in the Official Gazette of Mexico City, comes after a period of atypical rainfall in June that substantially exceeded historical averages.
Atypical Rains Lead to Emergency Measures
During June, rainfall in the affected areas surpassed 231.01 millimeters, a figure well above the average recorded in recent years. This excessive precipitation contributed to the softening of the ground, which in turn led to considerable damage to both infrastructure and public spaces across the designated boroughs.
The nine boroughs now under this emergency declaration are: Álvaro Obregón, Azcapotzalco, Gustavo A. Madero, Iztacalco, Iztapalapa, Magdalena Contreras, Milpa Alta, Venustiano Carranza, and Tláhuac. These areas have been particularly impacted by the unusual weather patterns and their subsequent geological and hydrological effects.
35 Mitigation Projects Underway
In response to the emergency, authorities have announced plans for 35 mitigation projects. These initiatives are designed to address the immediate and long-term consequences of the sinkholes and flooding. The projects will focus on various critical areas, including the rehabilitation of regulatory basins, the reinforcement of containment walls, and the protection of embankments. Additionally, extensive dredging and the installation of sandbags are planned for vulnerable points.
Key locations targeted for these works include the Gran Canal Linear Park in the Venustiano Carranza borough, as well as the La Concordia road distributor and Cuitláhuac Park, both situated in Iztapalapa. These efforts aim to stabilize affected areas and prevent further damage.
Infrastructure Repair and Flood Prevention
Beyond the mitigation projects, the emergency plan also includes 18 specific works for the substitution and repair of collectors and pipelines. These crucial infrastructure repairs will be carried out on major avenues such as Gran Canal, Río Churubusco, Calzada Ignacio Zaragoza, and Calzada Vallejo. The goal is to enhance the city’s drainage capacity and reduce the risk of future flooding.
Furthermore, to proactively combat potential inundations, pumping services will be implemented in high-risk zones within the boroughs of Iztacalco, Iztapalapa, and Gustavo A. Madero. These measures are essential for managing water levels and protecting residential and commercial areas from the destructive effects of heavy rainfall.
Impact on Mexico City Residents
The declaration of emergency highlights the significant challenges faced by Mexico City’s urban infrastructure in the face of changing weather patterns. Residents in the affected boroughs are urged to stay informed about ongoing works and potential disruptions. The city government emphasizes its commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens through these comprehensive emergency response and mitigation efforts.
The long-term success of these projects will depend on sustained investment and coordinated efforts between various governmental agencies and local communities. As climate change continues to impact weather patterns globally, urban centers like Mexico City must adapt their infrastructure and emergency response strategies to protect against increasingly frequent and intense natural phenomena.
Source: https://oncenoticias.digital/valle-de-mexico/emite-cdmx-declaratoria-de-emergencia-por-socavones/539481/
