Playa del Carmen Boosts Hurricane Prep with New Supply Plan

Playa del Carmen, Mexico — In a decisive move to safeguard residents during hurricanes and extreme weather events, state and municipal authorities inaugurated the Private Supply Subcommittee for 2025 in Playa del Carmen on Thursday. The newly established body is tasked with ensuring the timely distribution of essential goods and services in emergency situations.

Coordinated Efforts to Secure Supply Chains

The installation session, led by Mayor Estefanía Mercado and Quintana Roo’s Secretary of Economic Development, Paúl Carrillo, emphasized the critical role of collaboration between government and private enterprises. The initiative aims to prevent price speculation and guarantee fair, efficient access to necessities for Quintana Roo families.

“Private supply chains are strategic in emergency management. That’s why we must be prepared with clear logistics, effective coordination, and constant communication with the commercial sector,” Mayor Mercado stated during the meeting. The event brought together representatives from business chambers, supermarkets, gas stations, banks, and public agencies.

Key Responsibilities and Legal Framework

The Subcommittee operates under the Operational Committee for the Rain and Tropical Cyclone Season. Its primary functions include coordinating the distribution of goods, preventing price gouging, establishing supply centers, and ensuring product quality, as outlined in Article 37 of the state’s Organic Law of Public Administration.

Paúl Carrillo highlighted the challenges posed by Quintana Roo’s growing population, noting that many newcomers lack experience with hurricanes. “This can lead to fear or panic buying. The Subcommittee’s role is to instill confidence in the public. Today, we can say we are ready,” he affirmed.

High-Level Participation

The installation ceremony took place at the “Leona Vicario” auditorium in Playa del Carmen’s new City Hall. Attendees included officials from all levels of government and private sector stakeholders. Notable participants were Guillermo Núñez Leal, Director General of the State Civil Protection Coordination; State Deputy María José Osorio Rosas; Diana Vargas Burgos of the Federal Consumer Protection Agency (Profeco); and Antonio Benítez Domínguez, Undersecretary of Economic Development for Quintana Roo.

The Subcommittee’s formation underscores Playa del Carmen’s proactive approach to disaster preparedness, ensuring resilience ahead of the 2025 hurricane season.