Benito Juárez ramps up storm-drain cleaning ahead of the rains; how to report flooding

The Benito Juárez government has stepped up drain-clearing and storm-system cleaning in Cancún as a preventive measure ahead of the rainy season, the Directorate of Public Services said. The work is carried out daily on the main avenues and includes cleaning absorption wells and grates to let water flow freely.

According to the department, about 10 drain-clearing jobs are done each day across different neighborhoods (supermanzanas), with support from equipment such as a drilling rig and a vactor truck. Among the sites addressed was the intersection of Chichén Itzá Avenue and Tankah. "The idea is very simple: to get ahead of the rains and be prepared," the department's acting head said.

The official asked residents not to throw trash on public streets, since "waste can reach the grates and block the flow of water," causing flooding even during moderate rain. In a city built on karst terrain like Cancún, where storm drainage relies heavily on absorption wells, a single clogged drain can flood an entire corner.

The maintenance is especially relevant this week: the National Weather Service expects showers linked to a tropical wave over the Yucatán Peninsula, with accumulations ranging from 5 to 25 millimeters.

What to do: if you spot a clogged drain, a blocked absorption well or recurring flooding in your neighborhood, you can request a crew through ChatCun, the city's WhatsApp channel, at 998 778 4500. Reporting early helps the team prioritize critical spots before the next rain.