Flooding homes and schools in a town in Oaxaca has led to a call for relocation due to escalating sea levels.
In the coastal area of Oaxaca, Mexico, the picturesque community of San Mateo del Mar is currently in the midst of a crisis. For the past four years, the residents have been battling increasingly severe tidal disturbances, a problem that has been linked to the expansion of the breakwater at the neighboring port of Salina Cruz, as part of the Interoceanic Corridor megaproject of the 4T government.
The erosion and flooding have been particularly devastating in the neighborhood of Cuauhtémoc, which is home to nearly 800 families, many of whom are Indigenous Ikoots or Huave people. The Pacific Ocean has advanced 700 meters into Cuauhtémoc over the past two decades, impacting the area's economy and culture.
Residents have expressed their frustration, stating that they need a real solution, not just visits or photo ops, as the sea is winning the battle and families can't continue living like this. The recent flooding has left knee-deep water in the streets and homes of San Mateo del Mar, forcing the cancellation of school and disrupting daily life.
The crisis has also put the residents at risk for illness and possible isolation as standing water lingers. Floodwaters have impacted classrooms, the health clinic, and the church in San Mateo del Mar. Despite these challenges, many families have chosen to stay at home instead of seeking refuge in local shelters.
In May, the residents of San Mateo del Mar voted in favor of a federal plan to relocate the Cuauhtémoc neighborhood to Cerro Paloma. However, the planned new construction is currently facing delays due to financing issues, with authorities seeking additional funds to proceed with the project.
The construction of the Interoceanic Corridor is a contributing factor to the erosion and flooding in Cuauhtémoc, according to a report from the Istmo Press. The report also noted that Cuauhtémoc is being swept away by the sea due to the construction.
Disillusionment has grown among residents as they wait for authorities to provide funding and begin construction on the relocation plan. The most recent flooding occurred just as the community was preparing for Independence Day events, which were abruptly canceled.
San Mateo del Mar, a 30-minute drive from Salina Cruz, is an isolated, low-lying area that is vulnerable to flooding and environmental changes. The community is located on the Interoceanic Corridor of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, a major infrastructure project in Mexico.
The residents of San Mateo del Mar have reached their limit in adapting to the flooding, expressing uncertainty about their community's future. They urge authorities to prioritize their needs and provide a lasting solution to the crisis.
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