Just a few months ago, most of Mexico suffered from extreme drought, and there were dire reports that Mexico City was going to run out of water. However, once the rainy season started in earnest at the end of June, precipitation has been abundant. In July Mexico City had twice the normal rainfall with around 14 inches. This month we have already surpassed the historical average for August (6.8 inches) with 7.49 inches. The reservoirs that supply the city with water have gone from nearly empty to around 35% full.
That's the good news. The bad news is that Mexico City's drainage system is woefully inadequate, and whenever there are heavy rains there are flooded streets.
Yesterday Alejandro and I were downtown. When we were headed to the Metrobus to return to the apartment the heavens opened, and we had a downpour. Fortunately, we had our umbrellas with us, and there was no flooding downtown. We were able to get back to the apartment and then drive to where Alejandro's family lives without any problem. However, in the southern districts of Coyoacán and Tlalpan there was heavy flooding on many of the streets. In some places the water was 20 inches deep, and the light rail system that serves that side of town was forced to suspend service.
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| (images taken from the internet) |
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