A powerful flash flood struck Juárez, Mexico on Wednesday, June 25, causing widespread destruction and damage to hundreds of homes and vehicles. The storm, which occurred during a pre-dawn darkness, left some areas with water depths of nearly 5 feet, breaking down walls and roadways with powerful currents.
The flooding, which was particularly severe in the mountainside neighborhoods of Fronteriza and Felipe Angeles, has been described as “uglier than last time” by one resident, highlighting ongoing concerns about the city’s flood infrastructure. City officials have reported that there were no fatalities during the flooding, but the damage is extensive.
According to estimates from the Juárez city civil protection department, as many as 300 houses were damaged in the floods, with at least 30 homes left destroyed and uninhabitable. At least 20 vehicles were also affected by the flooding, with some vehicles even being dragged down flooded streets, leaving four vehicles stacked at one location.
Residents are still assessing the damage from the flood, which has left many without access to their homes or businesses. Juárez Mayor Cruz Perez Cuellar visited the disaster zone on Wednesday as city crews worked on clean-up efforts, clearing streets and removing mud and debris. The city has opened temporary shelters for those affected by the flooding.
The incident has raised concerns about the city’s ability to handle flash floods, which are a recurring problem in Juárez. Resident Ermelinda Vasquez, who owns a small shop that was damaged in the flood, expressed frustration with the city’s response to perennial flooding problems when it rains. “It was uglier than last time,” she said.
Source: El Paso Times
