Mexico's Hondo River floods spark evacuations as waste crisis worsens
The Hondo River in Naucalpan, Mexico, remains a growing hazard as waste and debris clog its 16-kilometre stretch. After heavy rains on May 11 caused severe flooding, local authorities have now launched investigations into homes at risk of collapse along the riverbanks. Residents blame the worsening conditions on years of neglect and pollution in the waterway. The river begins in Huixquilucan and flows through Naucalpan, collecting runoff from the highlands of Mexico City’s Álvaro Obregón borough. It forms part of the Western Interceptor hydraulic system, but blockages from waste and debris keep the threat of flooding alive.
On May 11, torrential rain pushed the river beyond its limits, spilling into nearby neighbourhoods. Rivera de Echegaray, 10 de Abril, and Pastores were among the hardest hit. Municipal Civil Protection teams evacuated 41 people from three homes built in an irregular zone, where structural damage made them unsafe. Residents like María de Jesús, who lives in Pastores, point to the river’s worsening state. The buildup of waste not only raises flood risks but also leaves a persistent stench of raw sewage along the banks. Despite the dangers, the river continues to carry debris from upstream, ensuring the problem remains unresolved.
Naucalpan’s government has started administrative proceedings to assess the stability of homes along the Hondo River. The ongoing blockages and pollution increase the likelihood of future floods, leaving neighbourhoods vulnerable. Without intervention, the cycle of overflows and evacuations is set to continue.
