Tragedy in Xalapa: landslide claims three lives and sparks criticism of authorities.

Tragedy has struck again in the Veracruz capital, Xalapa, where a heartbreaking landslide occurred this Thursday, claiming the lives of three people, including a six-month-old infant. The Rivera Argüello family, consisting of Jazmín, Jesús, and their daughter, fell victim to an accident that has left the community in shock and triggered a wave of criticism towards local authorities, who are being blamed for their inaction despite warnings of risks in the area. Residents of the 9 de Abril neighborhood, where the landslide took place, have blamed the city council for not addressing a water leak in the local network that has been affecting the land. This tragic incident is not an isolated case; in Xalapa, there are over one hundred neighborhoods identified as high-risk zones, where neglect and lack of adequate infrastructure have led to multiple similar incidents in the past. Since the beginning of 2024, at least five accidents have occurred that have endangered various families. These incidents, ranging from the collapse of walls to the displacement of homes due to landslides, have been exacerbated by the arrival of the rainy season. Inefficient oversight of public works and the lack of an adequate protection plan have left the population living in constant fear. One of the most notable incidents occurred on May 5, when a landslide in the Tamborrel neighborhood threatened the safety of five families. Mayor Ricardo Ahued reported that this situation was caused by poorly executed work, carried out without permits or soil mechanics studies. This type of negligence has been recurrent in various construction projects in the city, leaving the population vulnerable. On June 20, the rains caused by Tropical Storm "Alberto" caused severe damage in multiple areas of the city. A sinkhole formed in the Carolino Anaya neighborhood due to ongoing drainage works, creating a dangerous situation for vehicles in the area. The ongoing lack of maintenance and poor planning of works have contributed to more families being affected. In Xalapa 2000, the collapse of a retaining wall affected at least 12 families in nearby buildings, prompting authorities to evacuate residents as a precaution. Just a month later, it was reported that the buildings were no longer at risk, leaving many with a sense of uncertainty about the safety of their homes and the authorities' ability to manage these disasters. On July 1, Tropical Storm Chris left a trail of destruction in various neighborhoods, with the Privada de Toluca in the Dolores Hidalgo neighborhood being the site where a hillside collapsed, dragging a house and severely damaging another. This accident underscores the fragility of the infrastructure and the lack of preventive measures. The victims were mostly elderly individuals and families in need, who lost their homes without any warning. On August 1, heavy rains triggered another landslide in the Rafael Hernández Villalpando neighborhood, affecting the families of Julia Ortiz and Magdaleno Moreno, who were trapped under mud and stones. The situation is alarming, as many of these incidents could have been avoided with better planning and a proactive approach from authorities. Moreover, the echoes of the tragedy caused by Hurricane Grace in 2021 still resonate in the collective memory, where five lives were lost in the Lomas de Sedeño neighborhood. The lack of preparedness and response to extreme weather events has left a scar on the community, which now feels more vulnerable than ever. Rescue teams, amid the anguish, took hours to recover the bodies of the Rivera Argüello family. This time, which feels like an eternity for loved ones and the community, highlights the urgent need for a more effective response system and infrastructure that can withstand the elements. Meanwhile, concern for the safety of residents in these neighborhoods continues to grow, as does the demand for authorities to take responsibility and address the issues that have led to this series of tragedies.