In northern Veracruz, residents affected by the recent rains and flooding of the Cazones River expressed their discontent with the aid sent by the state government headed by Rocío Nahle, after videos circulated on social media in which victims ironically “thanked” the government for providing them with serums and electrolytes as part of the official aid.
The intense rains recorded between October 9 and 10 caused flooding in several municipalities in the northern region, primarily Poza Rica, Cazones, Álamo-Temapache, and Papantla, where hundreds of families were affected.
The flooding of the Cazones River left homes underwater, streets impassable, and damaged schools, roads, and basic services.
According to Civil Protection reports, at least 22 municipalities were classified as severely affected, although relief efforts continue intermittently.
In a video posted on social media, a group of women from Poza Rica are seen standing in front of their flooded homes, holding IV bottles, while one of them sarcastically says:
“Thanks to the great Governor Rocío Nahle, thank you for the support. Thank you for the electrolytes you’re sending us for the slight scare caused by the Cazones River flooding.”
The laughter that accompanies the message reflects the residents’ dissatisfaction with the delivery of supplies, which, they say, are not proportional to the extent of the damage. The phrase “thank you for the IVs” quickly became a trending topic on social media, used as a symbol of discontent over what they consider an insufficient response from the state government.
Residents’ testimonies indicate that, in several areas, aid has been limited to rehydration drinks, basic food packages, and bottled water, with no machinery to clean streets or remove mud from homes.
In communities such as Poza Rica and Álamo, residents reported that no mattresses, blankets, or reconstruction tools have been delivered.
Although the state government reported that relief teams and aircraft have been deployed to assist the victims, those affected maintain that the aid has not reached the most affected neighborhoods equitably.
Governor Rocío Nahle stated that authorities continue to assess the damage and that aid is being delivered based on the records of affected homes. She also noted that they are working in coordination with Civil Protection and the Ministry of National Defense to provide humanitarian aid and medical assistance.
However, public accounts reflect that much of the discontent is due to the perception that the aid is symbolic and does not reflect the level of loss many families face.
More than ten days after the rains, several towns continue to suffer from accumulated mud, power outages, and a lack of drinking water. Some schools have suspended activities, and residents report that food and cleaning supplies are scarce. Meanwhile, federal authorities are expected to begin the process of assessing damages and providing financial support to families that meet the registration and housing certification requirements.
Source: proceso
