Mexico City water plague: Photos depict residents living for over a month in black sewage water

Sewage-infused floodwaters

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Sewage-infused floodwaters

Sewage-infused floodwaters have invaded streets, homes and businesses in Chalco, Mexico for over a month.

The low-lying area at the edge of what was once an ancient lake has long been plagued by seasonal flooding, but residents say this year has been worse, a combination of unchecked growth and failing infrastructure. (Photo: AP)

Water as deep as 5 feet

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Water as deep as 5 feet

According to Chalco’s government, more than 2,000 homes and over 7,000 residents have been affected. The water was as deep as 5 feet (160 centimeters) in some areas. (Photo: AP)

Drainage failure

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Drainage failure

Omar Arellano-Aguilar, a biologist and expert in environmental toxicology at the National Autonomous University of Mexico, said the combination of drainage failures and the geological structure of the area makes it more vulnerable to floods.

“All of these urban areas have grown haphazardly over the last 50 years,” he said. (Photo: AP)

Residents struggling to survive

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Residents struggling to survive

“I’ve been saying for years that the drain systems have collapsed,” said a resident. “I haven’t been able to work because I have to take care of my things, my daughter hasn’t been able to take her son to school … we’re just surviving.” (Photo: AP)

President downplays crisis

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President downplays crisis

Mexico’s President Andrés Manuel López Obrador has downplayed the crisis in Chalco and said he wouldn’t visit the disaster zone.

“It’s being taken care of,” he said during one of his daily press briefings last month. “It’s the same reason I didn’t go to Acapulco,” referring to the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Otis that killed at least 48 people. “It’s like vulture season,” he said regarding the press asking him about it. (Photo: AP)

Health problems arise from sewage water

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Health problems arise from sewage water

Another resident, Guadalupe Sarai Islas García, said health problems have abounded from the sewage water. Her baby was throwing up and experiencing diarrhea for over a week when the flooding persisted. (Photo: AP)

“None of the politicians know what it’s like to live like this,” she said. “They get to go home, have a shower, dine in peace and sleep without a care in the world.” (Photo: AP)

Lack of basic water and power infrastructure

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Lack of basic water and power infrastructure

A city of more than 400,000, since the late 1980s Chalco has grown to become one of the largest cities in the State of Mexico, but it still lacks basic water and power infrastructure. (Photo: AP)

Officials deploy aid

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Officials deploy aid

Local, state and federal officials have been working in the area, using massive pumps to lower the water, vaccinating residents and providing potable water.

Residents who have managed to lower their water levels are now removing debris and silt from their homes. (Photo: AP)

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