In response to persistent swarms of micro-earthquakes, the municipal government is reinforcing surveillance in high-risk communities and expediting the rehabilitation of key evacuation routes.
Given the presence of swarms of micro-earthquakes recorded in the region near the Chichonal volcano, municipal authorities in Chapultenango have strengthened prevention efforts and coordination with state and federal agencies to reduce risks to the population.
Mayor Amancio Federico Lucas Hernández reported that since last year, communication has been established with the state government and Civil Protection authorities to develop a comprehensive plan to address potential contingencies arising from volcanic and seismic activity.
The plan covers the municipal seat and at least six communities near the volcano, where approximately five thousand people live.
The state and national Civil Protection Secretariats have initiated the development of a risk management plan, which is being carried out jointly with state and national Civil Protection agencies, to have an action plan in place in case of any eventuality related to the volcano, earthquakes, or rain.
The mayor explained that the municipality maintains constant vigilance, primarily in the communities located within five kilometers of the volcano, with which it maintains daily communication.
He indicated that community brigades and humanitarian groups have radios to report any incidents, as some communities are located in hard-to-reach areas.
According to the mayor, the intensity of the micro-earthquakes has decreased in recent months. Previously, up to 100 or 200 micro-earthquakes were recorded daily; currently, they have been reduced to between 10 and 30 events on some days.
As part of the preventative measures, the municipality has two evacuation routes in case of emergency. One connects Ixtacomitán with Chapultenango, a road whose rehabilitation is nearly 90% complete. The second route connects Chapultenango with Francisco León, where maintenance and resurfacing work is underway.
Source: heraldodemexico
