As the annual rainy and hurricane season looms on the Pacific horizon, municipal, state and federal authorities joined forces yesterday to inspect two of the 13 temporary shelters pre-positioned across Puerto Vallarta. Spearheaded by Mayor Luis Munguía González’s administration, the comprehensive review underscores the city’s commitment to safeguarding more than 2,500 residents in the event of extreme weather.
Under a scorching mid-morning sun, inspection teams evaluated the CTM Fovissste 96 hall—capable of housing 135 people—and the Margarita Lepe Jasso Foreign Secondary School No. 29, which offers space for up to 195 evacuees. Representatives from the Mexican Navy, the Comprehensive Port Authority, the Directorate of the Eighth Sanitary Region, the state Civil Protection Agency and the Municipal DIF (Vallarta DIF) participated in the walkthroughs, ensuring that each facility meets structural, logistical and health-safety standards.
“Thanks to the seamless coordination between all levels of government, Puerto Vallarta is ready to respond swiftly to any emergencies this season may bring,” said Misael López Muro, Director of Civil Protection and Firefighters of Puerto Vallarta. López Muro confirmed that the Municipal Civil Protection Council will convene in permanent session over the coming weeks, enabling real-time decision-making and resource mobilization as storm systems approach.
In recent years, Puerto Vallarta has witnessed the destructive potential of Pacific hurricanes and tropical storms, most notably during Hurricane Norma in 2021 and Tropical Storm Agatha in 2022. Both events delivered torrential rains, flash floods and landslides that briefly cut off several suburban communities. In response, the municipality expanded its emergency infrastructure, adding 13 temporary shelters—ranging from school auditoriums to community halls—capable of accommodating 2,533 displaced residents.
During the inspection at CTM Fovissste 96, naval engineers assessed the integrity of roof trusses and drainage outlets, while civil protection officers reviewed stockpiles of cots, blankets and first-aid supplies. At School No. 29, sanitary officials from the Eighth Sanitary Region examined water filtration systems and latrine facilities, ensuring compliance with health guidelines to prevent water-borne illnesses in crowded quarters.
“The safety of our families depends not only on sturdy buildings but also on well-trained staff and clear communication channels,” López Muro emphasized. “We’ll maintain the council in permanent session so that, should an evacuation order be issued, every department knows its role.”
Mayor Munguía González, who joined the inspection tour for a portion of the morning, stressed the importance of community awareness. “I urge every Puerto Vallartense to monitor official bulletins from the municipal government and Civil Protection,” he said. “Fake news can cause panic and confusion, undermining carefully laid evacuation plans. Our priority is clear, accurate information delivered swiftly.”
In particular, authorities cautioned against unverified social media reports concerning “Alvin,” an unconfirmed disturbance in the Eastern Pacific. While meteorological agencies track multiple tropical waves, none have been designated as potential cyclones at this time. Citizens are encouraged to consult the National Meteorological Service and the municipal Civil Protection office for up-to-the-minute advisories.
Beyond physical inspections, officials outlined public-education initiatives slated for the coming weeks. Door-to-door pamphlet distribution will inform households on emergency supplies lists—such as non-perishable food, drinking water, flashlights and batteries—and proper evacuation routes. Additionally, mobile loudspeaker units will circulate through high-risk neighborhoods to issue alerts if conditions deteriorate suddenly.
Local schools, community organizations and neighborhood committees are also being incorporated into a broader communication network. Training sessions on first-aid, basic search-and-rescue techniques and shelter management will be conducted at each of the 13 designated facilities. Volunteers who complete the program will receive identification badges and will staff reception desks should evacuations become necessary.
“If we act now, before the storms arrive, we minimize the human and economic toll of extreme weather,” noted Julieta Castillo, head of the Vallarta DIF. “These shelters are more than buildings; they’re lifelines for families who might otherwise be stranded.”
Emergency planners have mapped primary and secondary evacuation routes, giving first priority to low-lying and flood-prone neighborhoods—including Versalles, El Pitillal and Ixtapa. Once activated, municipal buses will transport residents to the nearest shelter, where medical personnel and psychosocial support teams will be on standby.
As climate models suggest a potentially active hurricane season for 2025, analogous to the record-breaking season of 2021, Puerto Vallarta’s preemptive measures have drawn praise from federal agencies. “The integrated approach taken here in Vallarta is a benchmark for other coastal cities,” said an official from the National Civil Protection Agency, who spoke on condition of anonymity. “By combining infrastructure readiness with community engagement and interagency coordination, you save lives.”
With storm clouds still building offshore, Puerto Vallarta’s layered strategy—comprising inspected shelters, trained volunteers and vigilant authorities—aims to turn potential disaster into managed response. As Mayor Munguía González reiterated, “Preparedness isn’t just about structures; it’s about solidarity. When our community stands together, no storm is too great.”
As the annual rainy and hurricane season looms on the Pacific horizon, municipal, state and federal authorities joined forces yesterday to inspect two of . . .
