Chalco residents face ongoing sewage crisis in Mexico City suburb
- Chalco has been inundated with sewage-infused floodwaters for over a month, affecting thousands of residents.
- Local experts cite inadequate drainage and rapid urban growth as key factors contributing to the flooding crisis.
- Residents are frustrated with the slow response from officials and are calling for better infrastructure to prevent future flooding.
Chalco, a low-income suburb southeast of Mexico City, has been grappling with severe flooding caused by sewage-infused waters for over a month. The flooding has affected more than 2,000 homes and over 7,000 residents, with many families forced to evacuate to avoid health hazards. Juana Salazar Segundo, a local resident, described the distressing conditions, including the inability to work and the impact on children's education, as schools were delayed in opening due to the crisis. Experts attribute the flooding to a combination of inadequate drainage systems and the area's geological vulnerabilities, exacerbated by unchecked urban growth over the past five decades. Despite the local government's efforts to manage the situation, including the use of pumps and providing potable water, residents express frustration over the slow response and lack of effective solutions. The community's resilience is evident as they adapt to the ongoing crisis, with some residents returning to their homes as streets begin to dry. However, the acidic stench of sewage lingers, and many families remain concerned about the long-term implications for their health and living conditions. The situation has sparked calls for better infrastructure and planning to prevent future disasters. As the rainy season continues, residents are left to navigate the challenges of living in a flood-prone area, highlighting the need for sustainable urban development and effective disaster management strategies to protect vulnerable communities like Chalco.