Mexico City Flooded by Intense Storms, Authorities Issue Alerts
Sudden Downpours with Hail and Wind Cause Widespread Disruption
Mexico City residents faced severe weather on Saturday afternoon as a powerful storm, featuring heavy rains, hail, strong winds, and intense lightning, swept through the capital. Several areas experienced significant flooding and damage, prompting civil protection to issue multiple alerts.
Major Damage Reported in Key Boroughs
The Magdalena Contreras, Tlalpan, and Iztapalapa boroughs were hit the hardest. Incidents included widespread flooding, damage to homes, and numerous vehicles stranded by the deluge. Civil Protection raised a triple alert across the city’s administrative divisions.
Magdalena Contreras received a Red alert, indicating the highest risk. Álvaro Obregón, Cuajimalpa, Iztacalco, Iztapalapa, and Tlalpan were placed on Orange alert. All other districts were assigned a Yellow alert, signifying a lesser but still present danger.
Homes Submerged, Vehicles Damaged
In the Lomas Quebradas neighborhood of Magdalena Contreras, a home on Hortensia Street suffered extreme flooding, with water reaching depths of up to 1.7 meters. Belongings and furniture were damaged or swept away by the powerful currents, though fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Another incident occurred at the intersection of Luis Cabrera and Heroes de Padierna in the San Jerónimo neighborhood, also in Magdalena Contreras. Runoff and sediment accumulation at the Plaza Lidice parking area damaged two vehicles.
Transportation Grinds to a Halt
Tlalpan’s Peripheral and Picacho Ajusco underpass became impassable for motorists due to water accumulation extending approximately 400 meters. Videos shared by passengers showed a public transport bus stranded mid-road, with water levels reaching the seats, forcing passengers to stand on their seats to stay dry.
Civil Protection teams were dispatched to Iztapalapa, specifically the corner of Andador 2 and Andador 3 of Ignacio Mejía. There, they conducted drainage operations to clear floodwaters that had trapped residents in their homes.
This extreme weather event comes as Mexico City continues to experience its rainy season, with climate scientists noting an increase in the intensity of rainfall events in urban areas due to climate change, leading to greater flash flooding risks. For example, in a similar event in Houston, Texas, in 2023, heavy rainfall caused widespread flooding and billions in damages, highlighting the vulnerability of metropolitan areas to extreme weather (NOAA, 2024).