Over ten million cubic meters of water descended upon CDMX, amounting to the capacity of filling a significant dam.
In Mexico City, Monday's heavy rains sent a staggering 10.2 million cubic meters of water flowing, nearly reaching the Madín Dam's capacity in the State of Mexico – a mark not seen since 2017.
Clara Brugada, the city's head of government, confirmed that this downpour was responsible for 143 floods primarily afflicting vehicles, not houses, as reported. The Tlaloque protocol, implemented to manage such rain events, seemed to have worked efficiently, according to Brugada.
By Tuesday, the city had recuperated from the ordeal. The Metro had to be suspended to remove water from Line A's track boxes, but overall, the situation was normalized, with just minor cleaning tasks left to finish. Surprisingly, unlike previous incidents, no homes were damaged, or major issues reported.
The main affected areas were vehicles and roads such as Ignacio Zaragoza Avenue and Viaducto. In Topilejo, Tlalpan, authorities were monitoring any potential issues, but as of yesterday afternoon, nothing major had surfaced.
To enhance road safety during heavy rain, it's crucial to drive cautiously and follow these five tips:
- Keep a safe distance from other vehicles.
- Do not use cruise control.
- Use your lights to signal your presence.
- Avoid standing water and large puddles as they may hide deep sections.
- Proceed slowly and anticipate hydroplaning.
Although some 141 potential flooding points are identified in the Atlas of Risk for the City of Mexico, it's essential to note that not every rain incident results in flooding. Nevertheless, these areas are monitored continually, and many have been gradually eliminated over the years due to city improvements.
Reacting to the rain incidents, City authorities responded swiftly to reports of flooding and inundations, resolving most issues within 12 hours. This quick response time was a significant improvement compared to previous instances with similar rainfall.
The National Water Commission stated that the drainage system functioned effectively during the eight hours of heavy rainfall and was still being drained as of Monday. On Tuesday, a yellow alert was issued for rain incidents, but no substantial rainfall had occurred by 8:00 p.m.
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The weather-forecasting for the State of Mexico should be closely monitored to anticipate potential heavy rains like the one experienced in Mexico City. This could help in preventing future flooding incidents, particularly at known potential flooding points.
To ensure safety during heavy rain, residents must follow recommended weather-forecasting advisories and drive cautiously, applying tips such as maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles and avoiding standing water.
