Alert in Tlalnepantla: evacuation of 19 homes requested due to landslides

The rainy season has set off alarm bells in Tlalnepantla, State of Mexico. Civil Protection authorities have issued an urgent order to evacuate 19 homes located in a high-risk area, due to the imminent danger of further landslides that could have fatal consequences.

The ground softened by the constant and heavy rains of recent days has turned several areas of Tlalnepantla into a ticking time bomb. Following a risk assessment, it has been determined that at least 19 families are living under direct threat and must leave their homes immediately to safeguard their lives.

The situation is particularly critical in neighborhoods like La Cantera, where landslides and rockfalls have already been reported, causing damage to some homes and generating fear and anxiety among residents.

The Harsh Reality: Poverty and Urban Sprawl

These recurring alerts in the State of Mexico and other parts of the country expose a problem that goes much deeper than just the climate. They are the result of a dangerous combination of poverty, uncontrolled urban sprawl, and the increasingly severe effects of climate change.

Why are homes built on unstable slopes and ravines? The answer often lies in the lack of access to safe and affordable land. Many of these communities are informal settlements, built by families who, unable to acquire formal housing, have no choice but to occupy high-risk land.

With climate change intensifying rainfall, these vulnerable populations are on the front lines of natural disasters. What Tlalnepantla is experiencing is not just a climate news story, but a social drama about inequality and the lack of urban planning.

The Residents' Dilemma: Leave It All?

For families who receive evacuation orders, the decision is not easy. The anguish of imminent risk is compounded by the pain of having to abandon their homes, which in many cases represent their only asset, built with years of sacrifice.

"It was determined that there is a high risk of further collapses, especially given the moisture generated by the recent rains." – Civil Protection Report.

Fear of looting, distrust of promises of government aid, or simply having nowhere else to go are factors that often lead residents to resist evacuation, putting themselves in even greater danger. Authorities have reported that temporary shelters have been set up to accommodate affected families, but the challenge is convincing them that the risk is real and that evacuation is the only safe option.

The situation in Tlalnepantla is an urgent reminder of the need for comprehensive public policies that not only address the emergency but also address the root causes of vulnerability, offering decent and safe housing alternatives for those currently living on the brink.