The San José chapel and three private homes were damaged by a flash flood that hit the upper section of La Floresta early Thursday, September 17.
The mishap was provoked by an intense storm that kicked up at around 2:30 a.m., dumping heavy rainfall on the north shore mountain range. The rush of run-off accumulated along
Calle Lazaro Cardenas, to a depth of about one and a half meters, caused a partial collapse of the wall situated on the northern perimeter of La Floresta.
Water, mud and rocks reportedly broke through the large glass panels set behind the chapel’s altar shortly after 4 a.m., sweeping straight through the small building and out into the street on Paseo del Mirador, carrying church pews and other furnishings in their wake.
According to Chapala Civil Protection-Fire Department (UPCB) chief Lorenzo Salazar, the flood damage was largely attributed to a fixed gate La Floresta management installed on the west side of the church as a security measure, creating a solid obstruction in the natural pathway of an arroyo originating in the neighboring hillside.
The spread of muck and debris also blocked the eastern stretch of Lazaro Cardenas, stranding residents of Riviera Alta and other housing complexes in the vicinity.
Personnel from UPCB, Chapala Public Works and the Simapa water agency, aided by an impromptu crew of civilian volunteers, were on the scene throughout the day working on clean-up and road-clearing efforts.
Local weather watchers estimate that rainfall from the pre-dawn tempest measured up to three and a half inches, principally along the Ajijic-Jocotepec corridor. Minor flooding and roadway wash-outs were reported at various other north shore locations, including San Juan’s Raquet Club subdivision.
Salazar warns that homes and buildings situated close to creek beds and steep inclines are most prone to inundations and debris slides when prolonged heavy rains occur.