Tijuana is expanding its preparations for potential weather emergencies associated with El Niño, with municipal authorities working to identify vulnerable neighborhoods and determine where residents could be relocated if conditions deteriorate.
At the city’s seventh Permanent Preparedness and Response Meeting, Mayor Ismael Burgueño Ruiz received updates on preventive housing surveys, landslide-risk mapping, drainage infrastructure and temporary shelter locations. The effort covers all nine municipal delegations and is intended to improve the city’s ability to respond if heavy rainfall causes flooding or slope failures.
City maps landslide zones and completes additional drainage work
One of the main priorities is identifying neighborhoods exposed to landslides. Officials presented digital maps and information sheets covering vulnerable areas across all nine delegations. The material will be combined with findings from preventive surveys that began on Thursday, although the housing census figures are still being updated as some records await processing.
The city is also working to reduce the risk of flooding by maintaining its drainage infrastructure. The Municipal Department of Urban Works and Infrastructure (DOIUM) reported that cleaning operations at two additional sediment basins, Aguajes 3 and 4, have been completed.
Of the city’s 33 sediment basins, only one remains pending attention, according to the municipal update.
More than 6,700 people could be accommodated in temporary shelters
The city’s Social Welfare Secretariat presented a preliminary plan identifying 102 properties that could be converted into temporary shelters, with an estimated combined capacity of 6,709 people.
The plan also identifies 43 meeting points where residents could gather before being transported out of high-risk areas.
During the initial assessment, authorities identified 50 facilities capable of accommodating 3,548 people. Additional locations will be evaluated, including community centers, sports facilities, rehabilitation centers, nonprofit organizations and religious institutions.
The Human Development Secretariat also proposed eight sports facilities for potential emergency use. Each is being evaluated for its suitability, including accessibility considerations. Six of the proposed locations have facilities for people with disabilities.
Nonprofits could provide food, showers and emergency assistance
Municipal officials are also seeking support from civil society organizations. Around 100 legal representatives from nonprofit groups could participate in coordinating emergency assistance.
Some organizations have offered facilities and services that could help people displaced by flooding or other weather-related emergencies. These include dining areas, showers, nursing services, psychological support and food assistance.
The municipality also presented a formal procedure for receiving in-kind donations at the Tijuana DIF warehouse. The protocol establishes requirements for checking food safety and expiration dates, counting supplies, verifying documentation, registering donations and organizing their storage.
Mayor calls for coordination as weather monitoring continues
Mayor Ismael Burgueño Ruiz emphasized that municipal departments must maintain communication and continue preventive work on the ground. He said accurate information, risk identification and the preparation of emergency resources would be essential if the city faces severe weather.
The municipal government says it will continue monitoring weather forecasts and reviewing its preparedness measures as it works to protect residents and emergency personnel.
