32 People Rescued After Tropical Storm Rachel Flooding in Baja California

-Editorial

Thirty-two people stranded by heavy rainfall associated with Tropical Storm Rachel were rescued by helicopter from Rancho Génesis in Ensenada, Baja California, on Oct. 12, according to the Baja California state government.

The rescue operation was conducted by personnel from Mexico’s Ministry of National Defense following coordination between Baja California Gov. Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo.

According to the state government, the storm brought heavy rainfall, disrupting access to Rancho Génesis, leaving several families isolated and requiring an aerial evacuation.

The Mexican military deployed a helicopter to transport the stranded residents to a safe location. The operation involved five helicopter trips to evacuate the affected families, along with an additional reconnaissance and support flight to assist rescue personnel.

Among those rescued were nine men, 10 women, and 13 children. Three dogs were also evacuated during the operation.

The Baja California State Civil Protection Coordination participated in the emergency response, working alongside federal military personnel to assist residents affected by the storm.

The state government reported that Ávila Olmeda contacted Sheinbaum to request federal assistance after receiving information about the families’ situation and the difficulties involved in reaching the area by land.

The governor acknowledged the federal government’s assistance and the military personnel involved in the evacuation.

“I want to sincerely thank our President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, who responded to our request and provided the full support of the Mexican government to save these families,” Ávila Olmeda said in a statement translated from Spanish. “I also extend my deepest recognition to the women and men of the Ministry of National Defense, who demonstrated their courage, dedication and commitment to the people of Baja California.”

The rescue was part of a broader emergency response to rainfall and flooding associated with Tropical Storm Rachel, which affected several areas of Baja California.

In addition to the evacuation, the state government announced the establishment of donation collection centers at state and municipal offices of the System for Integral Family Development, known as DIF.

The collection centers will receive food supplies and personal hygiene products intended for families affected by the storm.

State authorities reported that additional assistance efforts are underway to support communities experiencing storm-related damage, including humanitarian aid and assistance for residents recovering from damage to their homes and property.

The state government plans to continue coordinating with federal authorities to address the effects of the storm and provide assistance to affected communities.

Details about the extent of property damage at Rancho Génesis and the potential need for additional evacuations were not immediately available.