Mexican authorities open dam gates following intense rainfall

Heavy rainfall caused by a second cold front has forced authorities in multiple Mexican regions to open dam gates to manage rising water levels and prevent flooding.

In Nuevo León, the La Boca dam reached over 100 percent capacity, prompting Governor Samuel García and the National Water Commission (Conagua) to open all gates. The released water is being directed toward the El Cuchillo dam in China. Authorities have issued warnings to downstream communities, including Hacienda La Cieneguita and San Rafael, to remain vigilant and avoid low-lying areas.

In Puebla and Veracruz, the La Soledad dam (also known as Mazatepec) has also undergone controlled gate openings due to increased inflows. This maneuver is expected to raise water levels in the Apulco River and the Tecolutla River, affecting municipalities such as Espinal, Gutiérrez Zamora, and Tecolutla. Governor Rocío Nahle García confirmed that temporary shelters have been established in the Huasteca region to assist families in high-risk areas.

Additionally, the La Boquilla dam has shown a gradual increase in storage, reaching approximately 25.94 percent capacity as part of a broader trend of rising water levels across the country's reservoirs during this rainy period.