Heat Wave Drives Africanized Bees Into Bacalar, Prompting Multiple Interventions

Bacalar, Quintana Roo — Extreme temperatures are driving Africanized bee swarms into populated areas of Bacalar, prompting civil protection crews to intervene at schools, hotels, and public spaces, officials said Wednesday.

Marcelino Jiménez, director of Civil Protection, said the insects are migrating in search of water and typically linger for a couple of days before moving on. No attacks have been reported in the municipality so far.

Recent interventions include a swarm at the Normal School, an amusement ride area, a Banco del Bienestar ATM, and a hotel at Kilometer 25. Crews used specialized equipment to remove the bees.

“The bees are looking for water, so they approach the lagoon,” Jiménez said. “We ask the public to keep their distance and report sightings.”

In neighboring Chetumal, five bee attacks and nearly 200 sighting reports have been recorded this season.

Evacuation Drill Draws Mixed Participation

Jiménez spoke to reporters after a drill at the Bacalar Municipal Palace, where 350 employees participated — though a few refused to evacuate. He downplayed the incident, suggesting they may not have heard the alarms, despite the drill being announced a month in advance and cellphones sounding alerts.