Floods in Mexico City (CDMX), such as those recorded on May 2, are a recurring phenomenon that leaves a considerable economic and social impact each year.
According to data from the National Center for Disaster Prevention (Cenapred), in 2023, significant natural events caused damages and losses of 88.91 billion pesos nationwide; hydrometeorological disasters accounted for 98.1% of the total impacts.
Clara Brugada Announces Investment of 1.57 Billion Pesos to Prevent Flooding from Rainfall
Between 2002 and 2016 alone, hydrometeorological events generated losses valued at more than 1.163 billion pesos in the Mexican capital. These torrential rains have a direct impact on the population and their assets.
It is estimated that during the aforementioned period, approximately 67,000 residents were affected and more than 12,000 homes were damaged.
Furthermore, the floods cause traffic chaos and transportation problems for residents of the capital. In recent hours, fallen trees and flooding have been reported in hospitals, Metro lines, and on major roads.
Thus, these phenomena have become a structural challenge that requires urgent attention from urban planning, environmental management, and public investment, according to the analysis “CDMX at Risk: Natural Disasters and Resilience,” prepared by the association México Previene A.C.
Structural Causes of Flooding
Located on an ancient lake and with an increasingly inadequate drainage system, Mexico City is especially vulnerable to heavy rains. Each year, nearly 600 million cubic meters of rainwater fall in the capital’s urban area, according to data shared by the Mexican Institute for Competitiveness (IMCO).
During the rainy season—from June to September—76% of the annual rainfall occurs. The areas most affected by intense rains and flooding are the municipalities of Miguel Hidalgo, Álvaro Obregón, Cuajimalpa, and northern Tlalpan.
Despite this predictable outlook, the causes of the flooding remain unresolved. México Previene A.C. emphasized that “the widespread subsidence of the soil, the deterioration of the drainage system, the lack of maintenance, the waste of rainwater, and the accumulation of garbage in the streets are factors that aggravate the situation.”
Is a resilient city possible?
In May, the Mexico City government announced that 1.57 billion pesos will be invested in efforts to strengthen the drainage system and address the effects of heavy rains throughout 2025.
Of that amount, 570 million pesos will be allocated to replacing drainage networks and 1 billion pesos to purchase equipment, tools, and vehicles.
In addition to the direct economic impact, flooding poses a threat to the safety and quality of life of thousands of people. Affected homes are often located in areas with poorer urban infrastructure, exacerbating the vulnerability of the poorest communities.
“Incorporating disaster risk management into development planning, especially in cities like Mexico City, can reverse the current trend of increasing impacts caused by disasters. If all stakeholders act decisively, lives and property can be saved,” stated México Previene A.C.
To reduce the impacts of flooding in Mexico City, actions such as:
Investing in modern stormwater infrastructure and drainage rehabilitation.
Implementing rainwater harvesting systems in critical areas.
Promoting effective garbage collection and citizen awareness campaigns.
Strengthening monitoring and early warning programs during the rainy season.
With a comprehensive approach that combines public policies, investment, citizen participation, and climate change adaptation, Mexico City will be able to treat flooding as a preventable problem.
Source: eleconomista
