School suspended in La Paz, Los Cabos and Comondú as Baja California Sur rains continue

The Baja California Sur State Civil Protection Council suspended school activities on Monday in the municipalities of La Paz, Los Cabos and Comondú due to forecasts of intense rain and wind, as well as potential impacts from rising streams and flooding. Meanwhile, school activities in Loreto and Mulegé will continue with no disruptions. The decision applies to all levels of education — both public and private — as well as to morning and afternoon schedules. State authorities indicated that the move is preventive and aims to reduce risks during the commutes of students, teachers, school staff and families. According to the National Meteorological Service (SMN) of the National Water Commission (Conagua), the continued rainfall in central and southern Baja California Sur following the passage of Hurricane Marie is caused by the Mexican monsoon, which is bringing heavy to very heavy rains through Tuesday. As part of its preventative measures, the Los Cabos City Council has opened four temporary shelters to assist residents who may require refuge. Two of the shelters are located in Cabo San Lucas and the other two in San José del Cabo, primarily to support residents of vulnerable areas, settlements near waterways and communities most exposed to runoff. Los Cabos Civil Protection authorities rescued 10 passengers from three vehicles in the area of La Ribera, Los Cabos, over the weekend. (Ayuntamiento de Los Cabos) Restrictions remain in place for access to the sea on beaches in Los Cabos and on the stretch from El Comitán to El Caimancito, in La Paz, as well as the suspension of food sales on public roads. Civil Protection officials warned that waterways can suddenly rise in level and force due to runoff from mountainous areas, even without rain falling in the area, and reminded the public that a current of just 30 centimeters can sweep away a vehicle. Authorities have urged residents in affected areas to avoid crossing streams, flooded streets and water currents; not to enter the sea in restricted areas; and to heed only official warnings from Civil Protection and Conagua. With reports from Milenio, Excelsior and El Sudcaliforniano