Reynosa, Tamaulipas is bracing for extreme winter weather as local authorities ramp up efforts to protect its citizens from plunging temperatures. With the forecast predicting lows as chilling as -3 degrees Celsius, Mayor Carlos Peña Ortiz has activated the traditional "Operativo Carrusel" to assist those most at risk, especially individuals living on the streets.
Since the onset of this cold front, officials have been out on patrol, offering blankets and hot beverages to those displaced by the freezing conditions. According to Peña Ortiz, the Polideportivo has been set up as a temporary shelter: "Atención, Reynosa, se encuentran habilitadas las instalaciones del Polideportivo como albergue temporal, para todos aquellos que requieran resguardarse del frío," he announced via social media late January 19, urging those without adequate shelter to take advantage of the resources available.
The urgency of the situation heightened as temperatures dropped significantly. The first day of the temperature decline saw 25 individuals transported to the Polideportivo shelter due to the extreme cold and inclement weather, including sleet and potentially hazardous conditions. The Coordinator of Civil Protection and Firefighters, Javier Lam Cantú, reported on the increase of people seeking refuge at shelters, with many being homeless or living in vulnerable situations.
For those unable to access homely safety, the government is deploying more than just blankets and hot drinks. The effort involves various local agencies, including the Secretaría de Seguridad Pública Municipal, and special teams are tasked with locating and assisting people on the streets. With nighttime temperatures expected to remain dangerously low, officials believe the numbers reliant on shelters may rise dramatically.
Under the current weather advisory, schools have been advised to prepare for the potential suspension of classes if temperatures hit the freezing mark. Parents are empowered to make decisions about their children's schooling, but state officials noted, "La asistencia escolar será decisión de los padres, madres o tutores, en caso de que las temperaturas desciendan por debajo de los 5 grados centígrados," stated health officials, underlining the precarious balance between education and safety.
Meanwhile, the Reynosa-Pharr International Bridge closed temporarily as precaution against ice formation, creating challenges for transport and logistics. The bridge is expected to reopen on January 21, but until then, public safety is prioritized. This decision came just as the winter storm swept through the northeastern area of Mexico and threatened the well-being of everyday residents. The bridge typically operates daily from 6 AM to 8 PM, so this interruption impacts both local commuters and trade.
Peña Ortiz is calling for community vigilance, asking residents to report individuals they see struggling against the cold. "Es importante que nos hagan saber si conocen de alguien que se encuentra en condiciones vulnerables para ir por esas personas que lo necesiten," he encouraged, providing emergency contact numbers for reporting potential cases of hypothermia or homelessness.
With temperatures projected to plummet to, for many, life-threatening lows, authorities remain focused on continuing operations to facilitate safe shelter and aid. Local officials and organizations are working round-the-clock to sustain efforts and protect the most vulnerable. Returning to school after the winter break already posed risks with the first alarming dips of temperatures resulting in closures.
The cold front is expected to persist over the coming days, and as residents prepare to face more chilly nights, authorities stress the importance of remaining indoors, bundled up warmly, and staying connected for updates by following local broadcasts and emergency announcements.
For those who are homeless or without adequate resources, the community response to this extreme weather has been swift and coordinated. The coming days will prove how effective these strategies will be for ensuring safety and survival during this harsh winter weather incident.