“Breaking: 31 Cancún Neighborhoods at High Risk of Flooding!”

Cancún's highest risk of flooding is centered in 31 neighborhoods, as stated in the Risk Atlas of the Municipality of Benito Juárez. These neighborhoods encompass 26,816 homes, typically comprising 1 to 50 blocks of residential, commercial, and service land use. The potential economic damage from flooding in these high-risk areas is estimated to be around 62,312.60 pesos per house.

These neighborhoods are clearly defined by streets, avenues, walkways, or other easily identifiable features. The Risk Atlas only analyzes areas where floodwaters have reached or exceeded a depth of 20 cm and remained for over six hours. Such flooding can cause significant damage to homes, businesses, and properties as water can infiltrate structures and damage household goods and appliances. Businesses may also see damage to their foundations, walls, and electrical installations.

The economic impact of flooding extends beyond physical damage. Business operations can be disrupted, leading to lost revenue and jobs. Repair costs can also be high. Additionally, health risks are associated with flooding as stagnant water can harbor bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants, increasing the risk of disease. Flooding can also disrupt water supply and wastewater treatment, further escalating the risk of disease.

Four specific areas in Cancún are particularly prone to flooding due to their proximity to mangroves and low altitude above sea level. These areas are "Corales", "Rehoyada", "Bahía Azul", and "Donceles".

Despite being the third smallest of the 11 municipalities in Quintana Roo with a land area of 930 square kilometers, Benito Juárez has the highest population density and the largest number of private homes. In the past 164 years, 21 significant hydrometeorological events have been recorded in Quintana Roo, including tropical depressions, storms, and hurricanes. Benito Juárez has been classified as having very high vulnerability in terms of urban services, specifically storm drainage and public transportation.