SAN IGNACIO, Mexico — A severe storm, the leftover moisture from Hurricane Mario, slammed the historic oasis town of San Ignacio in Baja California Sur on Monday afternoon, unleashing torrential rains that caused widespread flash flooding in the town's center.
Dramatic video footage shared by residents on social media showed muddy water rushing through the streets, sweeping away unattended vehicles and inundating homes and businesses. The powerful runoff carried debris and destroyed everything in its path.
Despite the scale of the flooding, local officials confirmed there were no reports of fatalities or serious injuries. Mulegé municipality Mayor Edith Aguilar Villavicencio stated that while there was "significant property damage, primarily to urban infrastructure," the community had avoided a human tragedy.
The storm's impact was immediate and severe. The town's central district lost power and internet service, leaving residents incommunicado. By nightfall, the rain had subsided and the water levels in arroyos had dropped, allowing initial damage assessments to begin.
Recovery and Aid Efforts Mobilize
Local and state authorities quickly mobilized a response. Heavy machinery was dispatched to clear two sections of the Transpeninsular Highway north of town that were blocked by debris, ensuring the vital road link remained open.
Mayor Aguilar announced that aid from the State Government, coordinated through the General Secretariat, would begin arriving Tuesday morning to be distributed through the municipal delegation.
Support is also coming from Mexico's armed forces. The Mexican Navy and Army are on the ground providing assistance, alongside two ambulances and medical teams to treat anyone in need. Essential supplies, including blankets and food, were made available to displaced families Monday night.
A full assessment of damage to homes will be conducted with support from the State Housing Institute.
Plans for Mexican Independence Day Adjusted
The flooding forced officials to scale back plans for Mexico's Independence Day celebrations on September 16. The traditional civic and military parade has been canceled, particularly as more rainfall is forecast for early Tuesday morning. However, the central "El Grito" ceremony—a reenactment of the call for independence—will still be held as a more subdued, symbolic event.
In a show of regional solidarity, the mayor of neighboring Loreto, Paola Ochoa Amador, posted a message of support on Facebook: "We have expressed our solidarity and support to the people of San Ignacio... Loreto extends a hand to our brothers and sisters and this will be no exception. We will coordinate to provide whatever support is required and within our reach. Stay strong, San Ignacio!"
No comments:
Post a Comment