Mexico City floods after record rainfall, prompting major rescue and response efforts

Heavy rain hit Mexico City on June 2, with Benito Juárez municipality receiving 70 mm (2.76 inches) of rainfall in a single day. The downpour, far above normal levels for this time of year, marked the area’s heaviest daily rainfall in the last eight years.

The city was inundated, and several people were rescued with ropes and boats after becoming trapped in their vehicles under the Miguel Alemán Viaduct near Francisco del Paso y Troncoso Street. This road passes through several municipalities and was among the areas most affected by the flooding.

On Tuesday, June 3, Mexico’s Secretariat of Integrated Water Management (SEGIAGUA) announced it had launched Operativo Tlaloque, which involved sending out more than 150 technicians and 50 vehicles to tackle storm-related issues. Crews have handled 76 incidents across 13 of Mexico City’s 16 municipalities so far.

Nearly 200 flooded spots were reported throughout the city. Iztapalapa recorded the highest number of rain-related calls, with 39 incidents. The Ignacio Zaragoza Causeway experienced the most severe flooding, prompting a major evacuation effort.

Heavy rains led to the Metropolitan Protocol being put into action to manage road and traffic support, while a red hail alert was issued for Coyoacán, Iztapalapa, and Miguel Hidalgo. The National Meteorological Service (SMN) forecast ongoing rain throughout the week in the Valley of Mexico, with heavy rainfall expected especially in the region’s higher-altitude areas.

Harsh Vardhan

My passions include trying my best to save a dying planet, be it through carpooling or by spreading awareness about it. Research comes naturally to me, complemented by a keen interest in writing and journalism. Guided by a curious mind and a drive to look beyond the surface, I strive to bring thoughtful attention and clarity to subjects across Earth, sciences, environment, and everything in between.

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