Mexico City's Viaducto Floods: A City Built on Rivers

Mexico City's Viaducto Floods Again: Why Does This Keep Happening? Mexico City, MX – The Viaducto, a major thoroughfare in Mexico City, experienced severe flooding once again. This recurring issue highlights a long-standing problem: the city's infrastructure struggles to cope with the volume of water during heavy rainfall. The video released by El Heraldo de Mexico shows the extent of the flooding, with cars submerged and emergency services assisting stranded drivers. Mexico City is built upon a complex network of 45 rivers, many of which have been channeled underground over the years. This historical context is crucial in understanding the current flooding problem. The video explains that while these rivers are now largely hidden, they still impact the city's drainage system. The existing concrete channels are simply not large enough to handle the intense rainfall. "When it rains heavily, the water has nowhere to go," explains a local resident in the video. "The system is overwhelmed and the Viaducto becomes a river." The video also highlights the architectural design of the Viaducto, suggesting that its construction may have inadvertently exacerbated the flooding problem. The insufficient capacity of the drainage system, coupled with the design of the Viaducto, creates a perfect storm for flooding. The city continues to face the challenge of balancing urban development with the historical realities of its geographical location. Efforts to improve the drainage system and mitigate future flooding events are ongoing, but the problem remains a significant concern for residents and commuters.