Severe rains flood Guadalajara and Zapopan, leaving dozens of vehicles stranded

Intense rainfall that began Friday afternoon continued into Saturday night, causing water depths of up to two metres at the 8 de Julio‑Washington overpass in Guadalajara. Five vehicles were stranded at that location and a total of 25 vehicles were left trapped across Guadalajara and Zapopan, where eight overpasses were also inundated. Nine trees fell and 16 homes in the Altoluz neighborhood reported minor damage.

Researchers from the University of Guadalajara say the recurring floods are not only due to heavy rain but also to decades of unplanned urban growth, loss of natural waterways and insufficient drainage infrastructure. They have identified more than 670 flood‑prone points in the metropolitan area, over 200 of which pose a high risk to residents. Officials urged the public to avoid flooded streets and called for better urban planning and flood‑control measures.