One dead, 12 injured after severe flooding in La Martinica, Zapopan, Mexico

Torrential rainfall lasting around 90 minutes triggered severe flash flooding in the neighborhood of La Martinica, Zapopan, Jalisco late Tuesday, July 15. The overflow of a local canal caused water levels to rise rapidly, reaching depths of up to 4 m (13 feet), inundating streets, homes, and businesses.

The flooding resulted in the death of a three-month-old infant after a structural fence collapsed during the destruction of a residential property. Twelve additional individuals were injured, including a four-year-old child who sustained serious fractures. Several children and adults required immediate medical attention for trauma-related injuries.

At least 144 homes sustained flood damage, many of them severely. The area remains without electricity, and emergency shelters have been activated to assist affected residents. Cleanup operations and damage assessments are underway.

Seven vehicles were dragged and overturned by floodwaters in the area surrounding Paseo de los Manzanos Street. Streets across La Martinica and major intersections in Zapopan, including López Mateos Avenue, Arcos del Milenio, and Inglaterra, were rendered impassable due to water, mud, debris, and fallen trees.

Municipal officials described the event as the most severe urban flooding in the past 12 years. Zapopan Civil Protection led rescue operations alongside firefighters and personnel from the Mexican Army, who activated the national emergency protocol Plan DN-III-E.

A funeral home located near the collapse site suffered structural and inventory losses after floodwaters swept in debris, mud, and damaged coffins and furniture. Eyewitness accounts describe the rapid rise of water and unsuccessful attempts by funeral home staff to rescue the child who died in the neighboring property collapse.

References:

¹ Tragedia en Zapopan, Jalisco, por Lluvias Torrenciales – NMAS – July 16, 2025

Reet Kaur

I’m a science journalist and researcher at The Watchers, contributing to the Epicenter edition, where I cover peer-reviewed scientific research and emerging discoveries across Earth and space sciences. With a background in astronomy and a passion for environmental science, I’ve worked in shark and coral conservation in Fiji, conducting reef and shark-behavior research, contributing to mangrove restoration, and earning PADI Open Water and Coral Reef Certifications. I bring a blend of scientific rigor and storytelling to illuminate the discoveries shaping our planet and beyond.

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