Durango is breathing a palpable sigh of relief as the drought that plagued the region for the past two years begins to ease.
Yadira Narváez, director of the Durango State Water Commission, reported that most municipalities have overcome moderate drought conditions, a significant step forward for the state.
Durango Mayor Esteban Villegas has previously provided support for families during periods of drought.
Municipalities that benefited from the intense rains
Narváez explained that, as usual, the semi-desert, with its rainfall levels of 200 to 250 millimeters, is the last area to recover.
Municipalities such as San Juan de Guadalupe, Simón Bolívar, and even El Oro, which experienced a significant downpour, are in the final stages of emerging from moderate drought, without yet reaching the drought category.
A crucial factor in this improvement is the increase in the amount of water stored in reservoirs. However, the Lázaro Cárdenas Dam remains a concern, as it is only at 24 percent of its capacity.
The director recalled that at its worst, all 39 municipalities in Durango suffered from extreme drought. The last two years were particularly difficult, especially for the northern region, which is primarily used for livestock farming, which experienced extraordinary drought.
Currently, the outlook is more encouraging. “We are experiencing a respite,” said Narváez, expressing gratitude for the change in weather conditions.
Although the situation is not completely standardized in all municipalities, rainfall has been widespread, and the drop in temperatures has reduced the demand for water for human consumption.
One of the most positive indicators is the appearance of runoff. The severe drought of the previous two years, especially that of 2023, meant that the first rains were not absorbed by the excessively dry soil, preventing runoff.
Now, the runoff is evident, significantly benefiting the valley area, where the dams are at 80 percent capacity, and even the Francisco Villa dam has had to release water.
The El Palmito dam, which previously recorded its lowest levels at 16 percent, has improved and is now at 24 percent.
For the coming months, rainfall forecasts are acceptable, providing optimism for the region’s continued recovery from the effects of the drought.
It was last June when it was announced that even rainfall alone would not completely combat the drought in Durango.
However, they also announced a series of rainstorms aimed at helping with these problems.
Drought in Durango: A Constant Challenge with Signs of Recovery
Durango, a state with a diverse geography ranging from mountainous areas to vast expanses of semi-desert, has historically faced the challenge of drought.
This climate phenomenon, characterized by prolonged rainfall shortages, directly impacts vital activities such as agriculture, livestock farming, and the supply of drinking water for its inhabitants.
In recent years, Durango has experienced particularly severe periods of drought, leading its 39 municipalities to face conditions that have sometimes reached the “extreme” category.
This situation has had significant repercussions, especially in the northern regions of the state, where livestock farming is the main economic activity. The lack of fodder and water for livestock has caused significant economic losses for local producers.
Source: telediario
