10/01/2010
2:28 PM
This past week in Mexico there was a mudslide that could have buried between 300 and 1000 residents of Tlahiotoltepec. Once rescue worked reached the location the estimate was dropped to eleven people missing and no confirmed deaths. The town has no electricity and roads have been washed out making it hard to locate the missing people. This tragedy was not a huge surprise due to the pattern of environmental depletion the state has been implementing. In the state of Oaxaca where the mudslide occurred many residents live on steep hills and are subject to the mudslides that occur. This year Mexico saw an increase in rainfall during the hurricane season which exemplifies the severity of mudslides resulting in destruction and death. This problem could have been avoided if something were done about the rapid deforestation. The mudslide began several days earlier and residents were advised to evacuate but the state or federal government did not offer any refuge. Locals claimed they warned state officials that the roads were damaged and it could lead to a humanitarian disaster but their pleas went ignored. The mudslide caused significant damage to the roads which trapped thirty communities without exit from the town. Rescuers had to enter on foot since the roads were blocked by debris. While they have long petitioned for improved road ways the state has said that it is just not in the budget, knowing what the consequences would be if a disaster like this were to occur. Many residents feel that there is corruption among the politicians and contractors embezzling funds that should be going to build quality roads. This misfortune could have been avoided with better federal oversight.
The town that was hit by the mudslide has advised the residents to leave but without assistance this would be very hard for them to do since they have nowhere else to go. The residents had complained that the roads needed repair but were told that there were no funds available to do so. The mudslide caused the roads to be completely destroyed and unable for anyone to enter the town on, making it more difficult for the rescue workers. The major cause of the mudslide was the increased amount of rains that they had this season. That coupled with deforestation led to disaster. By depleting the land of trees they are taking away a natural barrier that would help the ground stay more stable. If the government had been more active in repairing roads then the damage may not have been as drastic. While the number of deaths was not as high as initially reported it is a shame that there are any at all when this situation could have been avoided. If the theories of politicians embezzling funds are true then it is sad that the people of that state are put in jeopardy because of it.
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