180 readings
By Eduardo López Betancourt
Suddenly, the drought becomes shocking in various regions of the country. Alarming extremes are reached: temperatures never before recorded, devastated crop fields and livestock that irremediably die. In contrast, when the rainy season arrives, its excesses destroy infrastructure and, most tragically, claim human lives.
States like Veracruz, Tabasco and now Hidalgo, Puebla and in general the Huasteca where nearly a hundred deaths have occurred, the number of victims and material destruction that has occurred in all these regions is shocking. Added to this are cyclones, which cause unpredictable damage. Let us remember, for example, the Hurricane Otiswhich hit two years ago, precisely in October, and destroyed a large part of the beautiful port of Acapulco, whose reconstruction is still far from complete.
The Mexico City It has also faced serious damage from uncontrollable rains, with accumulations of up to 62 and 63 millimeters. Without a doubt, human-caused environmental destruction is taking a costly toll on us. This crisis is a direct consequence of the irresponsibility with which we have altered the natural balance, under the false idea of strengthening civilization.
The case of the country’s capital is especially worrying: the rains do not stop, the deep drainage has been exceeded and, in addition, we must remember that it was built 49 years ago. Not only has it not been expanded, but it has lacked proper maintenance. As a result, flooding of up to 50 meters across and 40 centimeters deep is recorded.
The eastern part of the city has been particularly affected: the damage affects hospitals, subway stations and other public services. We are facing an alarming, unprecedented situation.
It is essential to adopt urgent measures, especially with respect to deep drainage, whose expansion and maintenance cannot be postponed.