On the night of August 10, 2025, Mexico City was plunged into chaos as the most intense storm of the season battered the capital, unleashing record-breaking rainfall that overwhelmed the city’s infrastructure.
Within hours, streets turned into rivers, trapping vehicles and flooding homes. In the historic center, rainfall reached 84 millimeters—over half the monthly average in a single evening. The Zócalo, Mexico City’s central square, was submerged, prompting the activation of the city’s highest weather alert: the Purple Alert.
Transport Collapse: The Metro system suffered severe disruptions. A short circuit on Line 2 caused an explosion and halted service for over 90 minutes. Lines 3 and 5 were temporarily closed due to flooding, stranding thousands of commuters. The Metrobús network also faced delays, with impassable streets affecting multiple lines.
Airport Shutdown Benito Juárez International Airport suspended operations from 7:45 p.m. to nearly midnight. Runways were flooded and visibility dropped to near zero, affecting over 100 flights and nearly 15,000 passengers.
Hospitals and Roads Hospitals like Clínica 53 of the IMSS reported drainage collapses, forcing emergency evacuations. Roads across boroughs such as Cuauhtémoc, Coyoacán, and Álvaro Obregón crumbled under the deluge, with sinkholes and landslides reported in Magdalena Contreras.
Emergency Response Mayor Clara Brugada activated Plan Tlaloque, mobilizing over 140 emergency personnel to respond to 41 critical incidents. President Claudia Sheinbaum pledged federal support for recovery efforts.
Experts blame decades of poor urban planning and neglected drainage systems for the devastation. As cleanup continues, more rain is forecast, leaving residents bracing for further disruption.
Source: OEM
