Baja California Sur is entering the most intense phase of the hurricane season with all five of its municipalities classified as being at very high risk from tropical cyclones. Authorities have identified 27 critical flood-prone locations and estimate that nearly 800,000 residents—essentially the state’s entire population—could be affected.
The information was confirmed by Mexico’s National Civil Protection Coordination during the installation of the Interinstitutional Command Post for the cyclone season, where officials presented a risk assessment focused on potential flooding across the state.
Leading the meeting, National Civil Protection Coordinator Laura Velázquez Alzúa explained that flood risk maps classify the state’s five municipalities from medium to very high risk, with Comondú considered the most vulnerable because of its geographical characteristics.
Authorities identify 27 critical flooding points
The assessment identified 27 critical flooding locations throughout the state:
- Los Cabos: 12
- La Paz: 10
- Comondú: 3
- Mulegé: 1
- Loreto: 1
Authorities said these areas will require continuous monitoring throughout the hurricane season.
Velázquez Alzúa emphasized that Comondú, the state’s main agricultural region, faces the greatest flood risk because it is located on a broad plain where runoff from neighboring municipalities tends to accumulate during periods of heavy rainfall.
For the northern municipality of Mulegé, which has historically experienced heavy rains and overflowing streams, she also warned of the risk of landslides. Residents were advised to identify nearby hazard zones and watch for warning signs such as newly formed ground cracks or sudden changes in the color of water in streams and rivers.
History of cyclone impacts in Baja California Sur
According to historical records, the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has documented 80 tropical systems that have either struck or passed near Baja California Sur since 1950, with 23 reaching hurricane strength.
One of the most devastating was Hurricane Liza in 1976, considered the worst hydrometeorological disaster in the state’s history. The storm left approximately 1,000 people dead and 20,000 displaced.
Although the hurricane passed about 100 kilometers east of La Paz, the intense rainfall caused the El Cajoncito dam to fail, destroying entire neighborhoods and leaving nearly one-third of the state’s homes damaged or destroyed.
“History teaches us. It provides information that helps us prepare for tomorrow, and it is very important for the public to know these facts and be prepared,” Velázquez Alzúa said, noting that lessons from past disasters can help reduce future risks.
Shelters prepared and stream channels cleared
According to the National Meteorological Service, up to 21 tropical cyclones could form in the eastern Pacific during this season, and some may affect Baja California Sur because of its geographic location.
“It is time to work together. We are seeing strong activity in the Pacific Ocean, and it is very likely that we will experience some hurricanes. Even if none make landfall, their rainbands can still bring heavy rainfall, so we must be prepared for possible flooding,” the official said.
She also urged authorities to strengthen monitoring of unstable slopes, noting that all municipalities in Baja California Sur face a significant risk of landslides.
State Civil Protection Undersecretary Héctor Amparano Herrera reported that Baja California Sur has 169 temporary shelters with an initial capacity for 33,192 people, with the possibility of expanding capacity if necessary.
He added that cleanup work has already been carried out in stream channels. In Los Cabos, authorities have cleared 13 kilometers of waterways and removed 256 tons of debris, with similar work continuing in the state’s remaining municipalities.
Governor Víctor Castro Cosío called on municipal governments to maintain close coordination with federal authorities throughout the hurricane season, warning that it could present significant challenges for the state. He also recognized the role of the Armed Forces in emergency response operations, describing them as an essential source of support during disasters.
Source: eluniversal
