Tapachula and Guadalajara urge residents to stop littering to prevent flood blockages

In Tapachula, Chiapas, the local fire department reported that accumulated trash in storm drains has caused multiple flooding incidents during the rainy season. Commander Iván Estrada Rosales said firefighters have cleared at least four blocked drains, rescuing a trapped puppy in one case, and warned that plastic bottles, bags and other debris continue to impede water flow, threatening homes in the city’s south.

A separate survey of 800 residents in the Guadalajara metropolitan area found that 53.8% consider litter in streets and drains the primary cause of flood damage. Respondents called for stricter enforcement and higher penalties for those who discard waste publicly, with 35.2% supporting increased surveillance. The poll also highlighted the shared responsibility of citizens and government in preventing flood-related problems.

Both municipalities are urging the public to keep streets clear of trash, use official channels to report blockages, and cooperate with sanitation efforts to reduce flood risks during the ongoing rainy season.