Last Saturday, an intense downpour surprised the inhabitants of Villahermosa, the capital of Tabasco, causing flooding in various areas of the city. The rains exceeded the capacity of the drainage system, leaving several zones underwater within minutes. Streets, homes, businesses, and even the PEMEX Regional Hospital were affected.
On Lamberto Castellanos Avenue, one of the most affected places, a supermarket, a shopping plaza, and the mentioned hospital were surrounded by water. Several vehicles were stranded due to the water level, forcing people to cross on foot, with the danger of falling into sewers.
According to the Centro municipality, the accumulation of garbage hindered the proper functioning of the pump station at that point. To resolve the situation, cleaning personnel removed solid waste and helped drain the stagnant water in the area. The Villahermosa-Cárdenas highway also suffered severe flooding, with multiple vehicles experiencing electrical failures while attempting to cross the flooded areas.
Among the most critical areas were Adolfo Ruiz Cortines Boulevard, Carlos Pellicer Cámara peripheral, and La Manga 2 neighborhood. In Ruiz Cortines, the circulation of vehicles was almost impossible, with several cars stuck, especially near Paseo Tabasco. The presence of Civil Protection provided assistance to affected drivers at different points in the city.
The Villahermosa Observatory reported 72 mm of accumulated rain, causing flooding in various zones. The High Grijalva Dam Management Commission informed about the daily discharge at the Peñitas dam and recommended that citizens stay informed through official sources to avoid unnecessary rumors. More rain is forecasted for the region, which could result in new floods in the municipalities of Comalcalco, Cárdenas, and Huimanguillo.
Authorities have activated three firefighting brigades to address emergencies and recommend that the population proceed with caution in the affected areas.
