Mexico City's "Operativo Tlaloque": Battling Floods and Mountains of Trash

Mexico City combats flooding with "Operativo Tlaloque." Heavy rains have caused significant flooding in Mexico City, prompting the government to launch a major initiative called "Operativo Tlaloque." The operation involves 6,000 workers, 1,500 pieces of machinery, and 70 support centers across the capital. According to Clara Brugada, a significant factor contributing to the flooding is the amount of trash accumulating in the drainage system, particularly from street markets. "That trash goes into the drains, blocks them, and causes the water to back up," Brugada explained. The government has already cleaned 270 kilometers of drainage and removed the equivalent of 12,000 truckloads of waste. While a six-hour advance warning system is in place, concerns remain about handling more intense rainfall. The initiative aims to improve drainage and provide swift emergency response to minimize the impact of future floods.