A powerful storm struck Puerto Vallarta on Sunday afternoon, bringing heavy rains and thunderstorms that led to significant flooding across several neighborhoods.
Residents of Las Juntas, Sendero de Luna, and Colonia 12 de Octubre reported extensive damage to their communities and criticized the municipal authorities for negligence and lack of preparedness. In Las Juntas, locals described the inaction of past administrations as “criminal negligence,” pointing out that despite previous promises to address the flooding issues at the cruise ship area, the mitigation efforts have failed to deliver results.
Video footage sent to the media shows streets in Las Juntas completely submerged, highlighting the ineffectiveness of the flood control measures that were supposedly implemented. Residents are now urging the new municipal authorities to take immediate action to address this recurring issue.
In the Sendero de Luna neighborhood, residents shared images of the canal that runs through the area, which overflowed due to the storm. They blamed the flooding on the canal’s lack of proper desilting, which led to blockages from debris, trees, and garbage, further exacerbating the flood’s impact on homes and streets.
Colonia 12 de Octubre also faced severe flooding, with streets turning into rivers of water mixed with trash that had accumulated over the days. The residents expressed concerns about the environmental impact, as the floodwaters carried waste into local streams and rivers that eventually flow into the ocean, worsening the coastal pollution problem.
As of now, the authorities have not released an official statement regarding the storm’s damage or their plans to address the affected areas.