Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda of Baja California officially established the Permanent Civil Protection Committee, bringing together key state agencies responsible for emergency management to assess risks and maintain continuous coordination on preventive measures in response to weather patterns linked to the El Niño phenomenon.
During its first session, committee members reviewed a diagnosis of the region’s water and stormwater infrastructure, alongside an evaluation of initiatives to reduce risk and improve response capabilities for possible emergencies.
According to the National Meteorological Service at the National Water Commission (Conagua), prevailing conditions are related to the El Niño phenomenon, the Mexican monsoon affecting the northwest, upper-level atmospheric divergence, and Hurricane Marie in southwestern Baja California Sur.
Governor Marina del Pilar emphasized that the committee will serve as a vital platform for maintaining communication and collaboration among agencies, allowing for the anticipation of risk scenarios, the protection of citizens, and swift action in the face of any incident.
As part of the agreements reached during the first session, members resolved to develop a specific action protocol tailored to conditions associated with the so-called “Super Niño” event. This protocol will outline preventive measures, coordination frameworks, and response strategies for emergencies.
Cabinet Coordinator Ariel Lizárraga Montero reported that the Secreatriats of Inclusion and Welfare have conducted a census identifying 131 unhoused individuals currently residing in the Tijuana River channel.
He noted that preventive relocation efforts are being prioritized for this group, given the heightened danger posed by potential rainfall in the area, and that the activation of shelters to provide refuge and care is also under consideration.
State Civil Protection Director Ignacio Lozoya Morales explained that the current meteorological outlook could produce isolated rains and showers, possibly accompanied by electrical activity. Scattered precipitation is forecast between Saturday and Sunday in Tijuana, Playas de Rosarito, Tecate, Ensenada, Mexicali, San Felipe, and San Quintín.
The heads of the Institute for Sustainable Mobility, the Secretariat for Water Management, Sanitation and Protection, and the Public Services Commissions reaffirmed their dedication to maintaining interagency coordination and pursuing proactive measures to address identified risk points.
State authorities also urged the public to prepare basic first-aid kits, store food and water securely, ensure the safety of pets, and eliminate any standing water following rainfall to reduce potential health hazards.
Lastly, General Government Secretary Juan José Pon Méndez urged residents to exercise extreme caution while driving, avoid crossing streams or flooded areas, and report any emergency situations to 9-1-1. He additionally encouraged those experiencing rain-related health issues to seek prompt medical attention.
