Floods in Mexico: Urgent solutions needed in response to the crisis in Guadalajara and the State of Mexico.

In 2024, Mexico faces a critical situation due to the floods that have affected various regions of the country, with the Metropolitan Area of Guadalajara being one of the hardest hit. Recent rains have resulted in the emergence of 15 new critical flooding points, raising the total number to 371 recurring sites. This phenomenon has not only wreaked havoc on urban infrastructure but has also exposed a structural problem that requires urgent attention. The State of Mexico has also fallen victim to this crisis. In Chalco, more than 500 homes were submerged underwater, a scenario that is repeated in other localities due to lack of maintenance and inadequate execution of infrastructure projects, such as the Solidaridad Collector. The emergency is far from being an isolated event; it is the result of a buildup of failures in urban planning and water management. Experts agree that the main cause of the floods in the country lies in a combination of natural and human factors. First, poor water management and a lack of adequate infrastructure are key determinants. Many cities lack storm drainage systems capable of evacuating large volumes of water, which is exacerbated by the obstruction and poor design of existing drains. The lack of maintenance of these systems has led them to become a source of problems during heavy rains. In addition, uncontrolled urbanization has characterized the growth of many localities, where construction has taken place in critical areas, such as riverbeds and low-lying zones. This phenomenon has prevented water from infiltrating the soil, increasing surface runoff and, consequently, the risk of flooding. Excessive paving and the lack of green spaces further aggravate this situation. Deforestation and land use change are also factors contributing to this problem. The disappearance of natural areas has reduced the soil's ability to absorb water, increasing the amount of water that flows into urban areas. The conversion of forested land into agricultural or industrial spaces has led to a significant loss of the soil's water retention capacity. Climate change has intensified this crisis, generating extreme weather phenomena that cause heavier and more sudden rains. These events exceed the capacity of drainage systems and rivers, increasing the likelihood of catastrophic flooding in various regions of the country. The combination of these factors has led many communities to become trapped in a cycle of vulnerability. The most affected communities are often those where low-income populations settle in unsuitable areas for construction, such as areas near rivers or in basins. This situation has exposed these populations to greater risk during heavy rains, increasing their vulnerability to adverse climatic phenomena. However, not all news is bad. Initiatives like the "Let's Clean Our State" program, launched in the State of Mexico, seek to address one of the fundamental problems that cause flooding: the accumulation of garbage in drains and collectors. This comprehensive campaign, which involves citizens and local authorities, aims to clean streets, parks, and bodies of water in all 125 municipalities of the state. The program not only focuses on waste collection but also aims to educate the population about the importance of responsible waste management. Through ongoing cleanup days, it is expected to improve the quality of life in communities and prevent disasters like the recent floods in Chalco and Ecatepec. These actions reflect an effort to find sustainable, long-term solutions, mobilizing various governmental and social entities. As the country faces climate and urban challenges, it is essential to implement adequate measures to protect the most vulnerable communities and ensure effective management of water resources. The hope lies in the belief that, through united efforts and better planning, the impact of flooding can be mitigated and the quality of life for all Mexicans improved.