Costa Maya, Q.R. — Heavy rain that hit the southern region of the state has finally come to an end. Two days of rainfall left many areas severely flooded, particularly in the far south. The rainfall was reported from the Belize border in the south as far north as Playa del Carmen.
The overly wet weather was the result of a low pressure system passing over the southern part of the Peninsula off the coast of Belize. The system developed during the night of June 27 and soaked the south as it passed into the Bay of Campeche.
In Playa del Carmen, municipal authorities were out clearing drains to reduce flooding as much as possible, however, it was the south that felt the brunt of the system.
Areas of Chetumal and Bacalar were hit hardest with streets being left under water. Military personnel were out Friday night assisting stranded residents who found themselves caught in the downpour.
Several areas of the municipality of Bacalar were also drenched by the low pressure system that left main roadways invisible due to flooding. Numerous homes were hit by the overwhelming water as fields became saturated and water flowed into residential areas.
Dozens of homes suffered damage from flooding in the communities of Huatusco, Blanca Flor, Miguel Hidalgo and Río Verde. Through social media, residents reported the road between Huatusco and Río Escondido had been cut off. They also reported part of a hill collapsed and the debris was left blocking another road.
Around the south, stretches of highway that connect the communities of Javier Rojo Gómez, Obregón Nuevo and Pucté were also impassable due to flooding. Marina personnel relocated families to temporary shelters that were opened by the municipality of Othón P. Blanco.
On Saturday afternoon, Mayor Yensunni Martínez reported “as part of our tours along the banks of the Hondo River in the Pucté community, we are monitoring homes and sections affected by the rains, in addition to supporting the relocation of farm animals.
“Together with community delegate Javier López, we will be supporting families in need. We will continue to monitor the area in close coordination with the municipal, state, and federal governments.”
