Environmental risks and flood alerts reported in Mexico and Colombia

In Mexico, the destruction of mangroves in the Arroyo Moreno Natural Protected Area is increasing the risk of severe flooding in Boca del Río and the Veracruz-Medellín conurbation. The reserve, which covered 400 hectares in 1999, has been reduced to approximately 237 to 249 hectares due to illegal logging, residential landfilling, sewage discharge, and open-air landfills. Experts from the Universidad Veracruzana and Civil Protection warn that the loss of this natural barrier increases vulnerability to storm surges, cyclones, and heavy rainfall. Additionally, researchers have reported fecal contamination levels exceeding healthy limits by up to 100 times.

In Colombia, the Institute of Hydrology, Meteorology and Environmental Studies (Ideam) has issued a preventive hydrological alert for the Gulf of Urabá and other basins in Antioquia due to the high probability of flooding and river overflows. The León River is currently under a red alert, while six other rivers, including the Apartadó and Carepa, are under observation. Simultaneously, the General Maritime Directorate (Dimar) has warned of high tides and strong waves along the Caribbean coast through November 1, affecting several municipalities in the Antioquia region.