Residents Defy Evacuation Orders in Playa del Carmen Amid Hurricane Threat

Despite warnings from Civil Protection, residents in Playa del Carmen's vulnerable zones are choosing to stay in their precarious homes. These homes, primarily made of wood and cardboard, are in areas at high risk from Hurricane Beryl. However, the residents have no plans to evacuate to shelters.

These neighborhoods are located south of the city along Juarez Avenue. During a recent visit, it was observed that most residents are continuing with their daily activities. Some are even attempting to construct more homes or palapas, a concern due to their close proximity to Juarez Avenue.

These areas are particularly susceptible to hurricane impact. The head of Civil Protection stated, "The Federal, State, and Municipal Governments are doing their part. We have been issuing awareness calls for several weeks, especially following recent rains. Just this morning (Wednesday), staff from the Civil Protection Secretariat and members of the Navy made announcements in Nuevo Noh Bec, Villas del Sol, and these settlements. They informed residents about the necessary precautions for the impending hurricane."

He added, "Starting tomorrow, a new announcement will be made from 7 in the morning to 11 in the morning." It is estimated that over a thousand families live in these precarious settlements. While some of these structures are no longer considered fragile, residents are still being urged to secure loose items to prevent them from becoming projectiles. "It is always crucial to be prepared for the worst," he concluded.