Severe Flooding in San Jose del Cabo Forces Evacuations and Suspends Classes
Intense rainfall from tropical remnants triggered severe flooding, swept vehicles into the sea, and forced the evacuation of a medical clinic in Baja California Sur.
Heavy rainfall driven by the remnants of tropical storm Vance caused severe flooding across Los Cabos, Baja California Sur, on Friday, forcing authorities to evacuate medical facilities, suspend classes, and execute emergency rescues.
The extreme weather prompted emergency protocols as water levels breached containment barriers in San Jose del Cabo. A total of 356 people were successfully evacuated from Family Medicine Unit No. 6 of the Mexican Social Security Institute after floodwaters overwhelmed the facility's defenses.
Zoé Robledo, general director of the institute, stated that the evacuation was executed in an orderly fashion to safeguard patient health. Out of two patients initially in the emergency room, one was discharged while the other was transferred to General Zone Hospital No. 38 for ongoing medical care.
The severe weather also impacted local infrastructure and transportation. In the Costa Azul arroyo, the forceful currents dragged multiple vehicles all the way into the sea. Local reports indicated that the affected automobiles likely belonged to nearby hotel employees who parked them near the riverbed before the water levels spiked.
Rescue operations throughout the municipality involved 60 firefighters alongside civil protection personnel, public security officers, and the Mexican Red Cross. First responders carried out multiple effective rescues, including saving a woman trapped by swift-moving currents, and concentrated their efforts in vulnerable areas such as Costa Azul and Santa Rosa.
To mitigate further risks, municipal authorities implemented the Safe Crossing operation, stationing personnel at dangerous streams to prevent drivers and pedestrians from crossing. The city council also suspended public transportation services in San Jose del Cabo, while Cabo San Lucas experienced significant transit delays.
The Department of Civil Protection advised residents to avoid unnecessary travel, stay away from flooded streets, and remain clear of hazardous streams as heavy rains were anticipated to persist. Additionally, the local education secretariat suspended classes for the afternoon shift on Friday to ensure student and staff safety.
Beyond the immediate structural and transit disruptions, the heavy storms impacted local commerce ahead of holiday celebrations. Business owners, particularly candy store operators, reported an estimated sales drop of 15 to 20 percent compared to previous years as the severe weather kept customers away.