The intense rainfall that fell during the early hours of Saturday in Puerto Vallarta caused flooding that affected dozens of homes in Las Mojoneras. In some areas, the water reached nearly 80 centimeters in height, forcing authorities to deploy teams to remove the water from the properties. Authorities also warned about the presence of crocodiles in the area.
Flooding Damage in Puerto Vallarta
The flooding affected at least 22 homes. Puerto Vallarta Civil Protection and Firefighters reported that a blocked storm drain caused water to accumulate in the area. Municipal and state personnel are continuing sanitation efforts while the assessment of damages continues.
Misael López Muro, director of Civil Protection and Firefighters of Puerto Vallarta, explained that authorities are assisting homes with varying levels of damage: “Yes, the water level rose approximately 80 centimeters there, in the Mojoneras area.” The official added that they have so far counted 22 affected homes, although some have suffered more significant damage.
Emergency teams continue working in Las Mojoneras, Puerto Vallarta, to drain the homes that still have accumulated water. Civil Protection and Firefighters are using pumps to speed up the removal of the water, while various agencies are participating in cleanup and sanitation efforts.
Misael López stated that the operation will continue until conditions allow authorities to complete the damage assessment and reduce risks for residents. Authorities have also kept some intersections closed to prevent vehicles from passing through, as the movement of water caused by vehicles could push additional water toward the affected homes.
As part of the emergency response, members of the Mexican Army activated Plan DN-III, with support from the National Guard, state and municipal Civil Protection personnel, as well as staff from Vallarta Cares. The teams are assisting affected families, removing water and sanitizing areas where the water accumulated.
As the work continues, authorities are maintaining restrictions at certain intersections to reduce risks related to water flow and vehicle traffic.
The operation will continue over the coming hours while emergency agencies determine the extent of the damage.
Crocodiles Reported in Puerto Vallarta
The emergency also caused concern among residents following reports of at least two crocodiles inside the area affected by the flooding.
Authorities cordoned off certain areas and are maintaining surveillance to prevent people from approaching the areas considered dangerous.
The director of Civil Protection and Firefighters confirmed that the Lifeguard department is participating in the operation to locate the animals and move them to a safe location. “We already have the necessary equipment to catch and relocate them,” López Muro explained, noting that the measures are intended to prevent incidents involving residents.
Authorities urged residents to remain cautious while work continues in the flooded area.
Residents Report Recurring Flooding in Puerto Vallarta
Residents of Las Mojoneras said that the flooding during the early morning hours was not an isolated event.
According to their testimonies, a similar situation occurred approximately two years ago, and they also experienced flooding last year during the rainy season.
Residents also reported that a channel running through the neighborhood has drainage problems, which, according to their accounts, may be related to part of its course being obstructed.
Residents attributed the obstruction to intervention by a private party and said that the condition of the channel makes it difficult for water to drain when heavy rainfall occurs.
For this reason, they requested that authorities conduct a thorough review of the area’s drainage infrastructure to identify the causes of the flooding and reduce the risk of homes being flooded again during future rainfall.
Meanwhile, Puerto Vallarta Civil Protection and Firefighters continues its operation in Las Mojoneras to complete the drainage, carry out sanitation work and determine the extent of the damage to the 22 affected properties.
Source: ejecentral
