The Suchiate River remains at its maximum capacity, although within its natural channel, reported Juan Antonio Ruiz Tino, Secretary of Municipal Civil Protection for this municipality on the border with Guatemala.
The official assured that, so far, the tributary does not pose a risk of flooding to the population, but constant monitoring is being maintained due to the rains and the alerts on Mexico’s southern border.
Ruiz Tino explained that the river has reached high levels after the recent rainfall, so community Civil Protection committees in all communities remain active.
He explained that if it floods, the areas of Ignacio López Rayón, La Libertad, Miguel Alemán, and Las Garzas or Brisas del Suchiate, considered the most vulnerable, could be affected. This could occur due to rising water levels from Guatemala or from the highlands of the municipalities of Cacahoatán, Tuxtla Chico, and Unión Juárez.
“Up to this point, the river is maintaining its course, but it is at its maximum capacity. Constant monitoring is being carried out to immediately alert the population in case of changes in its level,” stated the head of the agency.
Regarding the rescue of a young man who fell into the river while crossing cargo, Ruiz Tino indicated that the rafters intervened promptly, preventing a tragedy. “Fortunately, there was no loss of life; the rafters were well aware of the river levels and acted quickly to save their companion, who should not have attempted to cross the tributary,” he noted.
The official recommended that the population avoid crossing the river and only use the Rodolfo Robles Bridge to travel between both banks, as the current becomes unpredictable when the river is high.
During this season, the Suchiate can reach up to 7 meters deep and a width of between 150 and 170 meters, which significantly increases its strength and danger.
Finally, he assured that municipal authorities maintain constant surveillance of the tributary and its banks, in coordination with community committees, with the goal of issuing preemptive alerts and protecting the safety of families living in the riverbanks.
Source: oem
