Chetumal Floods: Emergency Declared in Colonia 08 de Octubre

Chetumal, Quintana Roo — Residents of the Colonia 08 de Octubre in Chetumal have declared a state of emergency following days of heavy rainfall that have left streets submerged and critical services disrupted. Water levels in some areas have risen to knee height, exacerbating concerns over the lack of municipal intervention.

Flooding Reaches Critical Levels

The neighborhood, one of the hardest hit by recent storms, has seen water accumulate at alarming rates, particularly at the intersection of Justo Sierra Street and Avenida 04 de Marzo. Residents report that no authorities have arrived to drain the area, leaving them to contend with the worsening conditions on their own.

"This isn’t the first time we’ve faced this," one resident stated. "Every rainy season, the same thing happens because there’s no functioning storm drainage here." Despite the municipal government of Othón P. Blanco touting its "Operativo Tormenta" (Storm Operation) initiative, locals claim the measures have not been implemented effectively in their area.

Infrastructure Failures Compound Crisis

Further compounding the crisis is a deteriorating utility pole belonging to the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE). Located on Privada 04 de Marzo between Bugambilias and Avenida 04 de Marzo, the pole has exposed rebar due to eroded concrete, posing a significant safety risk, especially during ongoing rains. Residents allege years of neglect by the CFE, with no repairs made despite repeated complaints.

With more rainfall forecasted in the coming days, fears are mounting that the situation will deteriorate further. "We’ve been left to fend for ourselves," another resident said. "The authorities have abandoned us."

Related Incidents Highlight Systemic Issues

The flooding crisis follows other recent emergencies in Quintana Roo, including a worker injured in a fall at the Tren Maya construction site in Chetumal and a rise in cases of myiasis caused by the screwworm parasite. Activists have also raised alarms over increased animal abuse cases during the rainy season.

As Colonia 08 de Octubre grapples with the immediate aftermath, calls for long-term infrastructure improvements and accountable governance grow louder. For now, residents remain stranded, awaiting relief that has yet to arrive.