Juan Brignardello Vela
Juan Brignardello, asesor de seguros, se especializa en brindar asesoramiento y gestión comercial en el ámbito de seguros y reclamaciones por siniestros para destacadas empresas en el mercado peruano e internacional.
The community of Frías, located in the municipality of Manuel Doblado, Guanajuato, faces a harsh reality following the floods that occurred last weekend. The heavy storms that struck the region caused the San Joaquín dam to overflow, resulting in the destruction of corn and maguey crops, as well as the flooding of roads that connect the community. The residents of Frías have quickly pointed fingers at the local ejidatarios, blaming them for the crisis, arguing that the lack of timely action to open the dam's gates exacerbated the situation. During the early hours of Saturday, the intense rain caused the water level in the dam to rise rapidly. By eight in the morning, the first signs of overflow were evident, with water reaching heights of up to one meter in some areas. Although the houses near the dam suffered minimal damage thanks to the swift response of neighbors, the dirt roads became impassable, further complicating the situation for those affected and their access to assistance. Miguel, a stableman from the area, recounted the devastation his crops suffered. "The milpas and maguey fields were ruined. Even the fences were washed away by the water," he said despondently. The loss of these crops represents not only the ruin of this season's harvest but also a direct blow to the economy of the residents who rely on agriculture to survive. Amid this tragedy, some neighbors, like Mr. Ernesto, managed to protect their homes by placing sandbags to stop the water's advance. However, the flooding in areas where tractors and tools are stored serves as a reminder that the aftermath of the flood will be long-lasting. "If we manage to pump the water out with motor pumps, maybe we can still save part of the harvest," he expressed hopefully. The tension between the ejidatarios and the farmers has intensified. Residents blame the ejidatarios for not opening the dam's gates in time and for taking measures that limited the water's flow. Don Jesús, a neighbor from the community, explained that the decision of the ejidatarios to keep the gates closed, under the belief that the rains would not be abundant, turned out to be a fatal mistake. "If they had opened the gates two hours earlier, the overflow could have been avoided," he argued with frustration. The dilemma is not solely about the lack of action from the ejidatarios; residents also point to the local government's responsibility for the poor maintenance of the hydraulic infrastructure. The combination of negligence in managing the dam and distrust among the ejidatarios has created an atmosphere of tension and desperation in Frías. As crops and roads lay devastated, the community faces an uncertain future. The rains have highlighted vulnerabilities in the region's water management system, and many wonder if there will be an action plan to prevent a similar tragedy from occurring in the future. The current situation in Frías is a call to action. Residents need not only immediate assistance to alleviate their losses but also a commitment from the authorities to strengthen local infrastructure and establish clear protocols for managing water resources. The aftermath of this flood serves as a reminder that nature can be relentless, but so can the decisions made by humans. At a time when the community comes together to face adversity, it is vital that measures be taken to ensure that, in the future, the management of their resources reflects collaboration and shared responsibility.