Mexico and Guatemala prepare contingency plans for winter cold fronts

Municipal and state governments in Mexico and Guatemala are implementing various contingency plans to protect vulnerable populations from upcoming winter cold fronts.

In Chihuahua, Mexico, Mayor René Chavira announced a partnership with Thermohouse to provide thermal insulation to approximately 80 homes using donated polyurethane. Additionally, the municipality is preparing to distribute firewood and establish shelters to mitigate the impact of low temperatures.

In Ciudad Juárez, authorities are activating the “Cruzada contra el Frío” campaign, which has already distributed 20 tons of recycled firewood to families in high-risk neighborhoods. The city is also preparing temporary shelters and community centers to serve as refuges during extreme weather.

In Nuevo León, the state government has prepared 102 temporary shelters across 16 municipalities, capable of assisting over 12,000 people. The strategy includes the “Operativo Carrusel” to deliver blankets and hot food to those in need.

In Guatemala, the National Coordinator for Disaster Reduction (Conred) has identified over 2,000 potential locations for temporary shelters to manage the expected arrival of 16 cold fronts. Authorities are urging citizens to dress warmly and avoid indoor fires to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.