Sinkhole in Ramón López Velarde Garden raises concerns in Mexico City

A sinkhole in the Ramón López Velarde Garden, located in the Roma Sur neighborhood of the Cuauhtémoc borough, has raised concerns among the residents and authorities of Mexico City. According to information provided by the Mexico City Water System (Sacmex), this sinkhole in the ground is due to the foundation of a building that collapsed during the 1985 earthquake, as well as erosion and natural wear of the terrain over the years. The Ramón López Velarde Garden, recently designated as an Area of Environmental Value, occupies the space where the National Stadium and a part of the Benito Juárez Urban Center were previously located, both affected by the earthquake that occurred over three decades ago. Following a thorough inspection carried out by Sacmex personnel and the Cuauhtémoc borough, it was determined that the sinkhole is a direct consequence of the events that occurred at that time. Although ruling out that the problem is related to the drainage system or water lines, local authorities have affirmed their commitment to remediate the situation immediately. The rescue of a dog named Bruno, who fell into the sinkhole last weekend, alerted the community and highlighted the urgency of addressing this problem. The Cuauhtémoc borough has announced that remediation work will begin this Thursday, under the direction of the Works Department of the demarcation. It is expected that the work will extend for approximately one week, with the supervision and collaboration of the local Ministry of the Environment. Despite the assurances provided by local authorities, residents have expressed concern about the safety of those who frequent the affected area. During a tour conducted by Excélsior, it was confirmed that the diameter of the sinkhole has reached three meters, and the appearance of new cracks in its circumference has been observed. The lack of surveillance in the affected perimeter has generated concern among residents and visitors, who have requested prompt action from the authorities to prevent possible accidents. Amidst criticism and demands from citizens, the danger posed by the rainy season has been emphasized, as it increases the risk of falls and accidents in the sinkhole area. In response to this situation, the Mexico City Water System has issued recommendations to the population to stay away from the area where repair work will be carried out, in order to prevent any incidents. In summary, the sinkhole in the Ramón López Velarde Garden serves as a reminder of the importance of prevention and proper maintenance of urban infrastructure. The prompt response of authorities and community participation will be crucial to ensuring the safety of those who transit through this area, avoiding tragedies like the one that occurred with the dog Bruno. Transparency in the actions taken and effective communication with the public are key to addressing these types of situations and preventing future incidents.