Chetumal, Q.R. — A day of intense rain in the south caused trees to let loose from water soaked ground. Strong winds that accompanied the rain also wreaked havoc damaging city infrastructure. The city of Chetumal was hit by the hard rain that began to fall early Wednesday that left more than two dozen streets closed due to severe flooding.
“Heavy Rain Alert in Chetumal,” the SSC (Secretary of Citizen Security) reported Wednesday morning. “Various parts of the capital are flooded due to the heavy rain that has fallen in recent hours, posing a risk to pedestrians and motorists.
“The State Civil Protection Coordination will be responding to the affected areas to provide immediate support.
Citizens are advised to: avoid walking through flooded streets or through fallen trees, do not attempt to move wires or branches on your own. If you cannot leave your home, do not leave. Report any emergency to 911.”
Marina personnel were out in full force helping stranded citizens who found themselves caught in the rain. Marina also participated in the transfer of an elderly person by ambulance to a safe home. Numerous drivers took their chances plowing through severely flooded city streets Wednesday after the rains let up.
The Secretariat of the Navy activated an emergency plan in Chetumal in coordination with municipal Civil Protection to provide assistance to people. Many motorists were caught by surprise, finding their usual routes suddenly impassable due to flooding.
“The SSC maintains road safety measures due to a structure collapse due to heavy rains in Chetumal. Citizens are encouraged to take precautions and avoid driving on Naranjal and Maxuxac Avenues. During the rainy season, remember to reduce your speed and obey the speed limits. In case of emergency, call 911,” they reported after the roof of a gas station buckled from its supports.
Other mishaps included private property flying off rooftops as seen in Chetumal during the strong winds Wednesday. A neighbor videoed an empty water tank stored on the roof of a home roll off and onto a set of power lines below.
While this incident did not affect neighborhood power, an exploding transformer did. Electricity was affected in some areas of the city. Authorities have not said how much rain fell in Chetumal during the passing system Wednesday.
