Reynosa, Tamaulipas, has been grappling with severe flooding following heavy rains that began in the early hours of March 27, 2025. The torrential downpour has caused widespread disruption, including power outages, water accumulation, and stranded vehicles, particularly in the northern region of Tamaulipas. The rains began around 4:00 AM, leading to significant flooding that affected access to international bridges and created slow-moving traffic on major roads.
A lightning strike on a palm tree in front of the Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas (UAT) resulted in power outages for several sectors of the municipality. The Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS) reported that water leaks from the storm impacted the Emergency and Tococirugía areas of Hospital General de Zona No. 15, prompting the activation of emergency protocols. This necessitated the relocation of patients to the central operating room, with elective surgeries postponed until the situation stabilizes. "Elective surgeries will be rescheduled until the contingency ends. For now, only emergencies are being attended to," stated the IMSS.
As the storm continued, the Coordinator of Civil Protection and Firefighters, Javier Lam Cantú, reported that 55 millimeters of rain fell within an hour and a half, leading to the rescue of 12 drivers stranded in their vehicles by the rising waters. In Matamoros, heavy rains overnight also caused flooding, prompting the Secretaría de la Defensa Nacional (Sedena) to activate Plan DN-III to assist the affected population. This plan mobilizes resources and personnel to provide aid during natural disasters.
The flooding has not only impacted transportation but also left thousands of residents in dire situations. Reports indicate that the roofs of facilities, including the ISSSTE clinic, collapsed under the weight of the water. The government of Tamaulipas, along with the Guardia Nacional, has initiated emergency operations to respond to the extensive damage. Hundreds of people have been trapped in their vehicles, and thousands of homes and businesses have been inundated. The mayor of Reynosa, Carlos Peña Ortiz, has called for community support in locating elderly residents who need to be relocated to shelters.
The situation escalated further as a new storm hit Reynosa on March 28, compounding the challenges faced by local authorities and residents alike. The mayor emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, "We need everyone’s help to locate vulnerable individuals and ensure their safety." The chaos in the city has prompted security and emergency teams to mobilize quickly in order to rescue those affected.
In addition to the human toll, the storm has caused significant damage to infrastructure. Floodwaters have covered vehicles in various neighborhoods and industrial parks, including the Corning maquiladora. Reports indicate that water levels have risen to the middle of residents' bodies in some areas, making it nearly impossible to navigate the streets. Authorities have advised the public to remain indoors unless absolutely necessary, as conditions for travel are hazardous.
As the rain continues to fall, the Civil Protection of Tamaulipas has warned residents about the risks associated with the storm systems moving across the region. These storms are expected to bring intense rainfall, electrical discharges, and possible hail, with wind gusts exceeding 60 kilometers per hour. The forecast suggests that the rains will persist into the following day, further exacerbating the already critical situation.
In light of the ongoing crisis, local emergency services have activated teams of over 200 personnel to clean storm drains, grilles, and other drainage systems to mitigate flooding. Support has also been requested from the Comisión Nacional del Agua (Conagua) for pumping equipment to help remove water from flooded areas.
As the community comes together to face these challenges, the resilience of Reynosa’s residents is being tested. Many have come forward to assist their neighbors, sharing resources and shelter where possible. However, the extent of the damage and the potential for further storms raises concerns about long-term recovery efforts.
In summary, the storms that have hit Reynosa and the surrounding areas have resulted in significant flooding and disruption. The local government, emergency services, and community members are working tirelessly to manage the crisis, but the situation remains precarious as more rain is anticipated. Residents are urged to stay informed and heed safety warnings as they navigate this challenging time.
