Mexican Senate Pledges Support for Flood Victims, amidst Questions Over Disaster Fund
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Mexico’s Senate is responding to devastating recent floods with a pledge of financial support and aid collection, even as scrutiny continues regarding the status of the country’s Natural Disasters Fund (Fonden). The Senate’s actions follow torrential rains that have impacted the states of Veracruz, Hidalgo, Puebla, San Luis potosí, and Querétaro, resulting in at least 47 confirmed fatalities and significant property damage estimated in the tens of millions of pesos.
Senators to Donate Portion of Salaries
In a display of solidarity, members of the Senate have agreed to donate up to 15 days of their salary to support relief and reconstruction efforts. The initiative was announced by Senate President Laura Itzel Castillo,who emphasized the commitment to openness and efficient resource allocation. “in an act of solidarity and commitment, The Political Coordination Board agreed that the senators of the Republic, let us donate an amount that is equivalent to up to fifteen days of our income to contribute to relief and reconstruction efforts,” Castillo stated.
The funds raised will be used to procure essential tools and equipment, which will then be delivered to the Secretariat of National Defense for direct distribution to affected communities. This approach aims to ensure aid reaches those in need quickly and effectively.
Widespread damage and Ongoing relief Efforts
The recent climatic events have left a trail of destruction across nearly 150 municipalities, resulting in numerous deaths and missing persons, and also extensive damage to homes and vital public services. Castillo highlighted the critical role played by federal agencies, including the Secretariat of National Defense and the Navy, through the implementation of the DN-III and Navy plans. She also acknowledged the swift response from the federal government, led by Claudia Sheinbaum, and state governments in providing care for victims and restoring essential services.
While the majority of senators appear to be supporting the donation initiative, the opposition has yet to formally confirm their participation. However, senators from the Partido Verde Ecologista de México (PVEM), such as Armando Melgar, have publicly committed to donating “one or two” days of their salary.
Aid Collection Center Open to Public
The Senate of the Republic has established a collection center at Plaza Luis pasteur, adjacent to the legislative complex, to gather essential supplies for those impacted by the floods. The center is open seven days a week, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.,and is accepting donations of food,water,clothing,and other basic necessities. Castillo extended an invitation to Senate staff and the general public to contribute to this vital cause.
“Today more than ever, Mexico needs our empathy and our collaboration,” Castillo emphasized. A minute of silence was observed in the plenary session to honour the deceased.
The Senate expressed its deepest condolences to the affected families and communities, acknowledging the profound loss and the challenging task of rebuilding their lives and livelihoods.
Why: Torrential rains caused devastating floods across five Mexican states.
Who: The mexican Senate, led by President Laura Itzel Castillo, is responding, along with federal agencies like the Secretariat of National Defense and Navy, and the federal government under Claudia Sheinbaum. senators and the public are contributing.
what: The Senate pledged
