Puerto Vallarta News Brief with Felipe Álvarez for July 25, 2023

Puerto Vallarta (PVDN) – The Puerto Vallarta News Brief covers the top trending stories of the week on Vallarta Daily News and is hosted by Felipe Alvarez.

The stories this week.

Puerto Vallarta is dealing with a severe water shortage crisis, raising public health concerns, and risking tourism. The water shortage, particularly in areas like El Pitillal and Ixtapa, has escalated to a critical public health worry. Jaime Álvarez Zayas, a health official, warns of an increase in mosquito breeding sites, raising dengue concerns. A 15% rise in stomach illnesses due to poor sanitation has also been recorded, with warnings of potential cholera and typhoid outbreaks. The crisis has impacted education as well, with five schools suspending operations.

In related news, regional environmental groups have called for a halt to new construction permits due to the city's water issue. They fear that unchecked urban development is depleting water resources, with Puerto Vallarta water sources already overexploited. They urge government authorities to halt approval for new projects that lack secure water supplies.

Finally, a violent storm on Saturday caused significant damage in Puerto Vallarta. Social media videos showed two vehicles being swept away by floodwaters, and Francisco Medina Ascencio, a major city street, was transformed into a raging river. Many homes in El Pitillal district and Villas del Puerto subdivision were extensively flooded. A full damage assessment is still underway.