Montemorelos University Provides Key Aid After Tropical Storm Alberto
9 July 2024 |
Montemorelos University in Nuevo León, Mexico, has become a key player in the disaster response to Tropical Storm Alberto, transforming its campus into an evacuation and operations center. The storm struck on June 20, affecting northern Mexico and parts of Texas, and necessitated immediate response efforts from regional disaster teams.
In one instance, Civil Protection of Nuevo León and the Montemorelos Municipality rescued 20 tourists stranded by the rapid rise of the Pilón River, and safely brought them to the university’s campus. Héctor Parada, Director of Civil Protection, explained that adverse weather initially hindered the rescue efforts, but a break in the weather allowed for a successful helicopter evacuation to the university, which remained unscathed by the storm’s severe impacts. The campus has not only provided shelter, but has also facilitated the distribution of essentials such as food and water to people affected by the storm.
Ismael Castillo, president of Montemorelos University, rapidly mobilized campus resources to support the operation. “We are very pleased that our campus can be an operations center for Civil Protection, and we are very pleased to collaborate in that sense as a base for these operations because the important thing is to assist those who most need it,” said Castillo.
Government officials, including Montemorelos mayor Miguel Ángel Salazar and Nuevo León governor Samuel García, visited the campus to acknowledge and express their gratitude for the university’s swift and effective response. The university’s operations center stayed active until June 26, organizing donations of food, water, and medical supplies, which were then airlifted to the most severely impacted communities in the surrounding areas. Faculty, staff, and student volunteers were crucial in this effort, particularly in sorting and preparing medicines for distribution, led by Alma Nidia Calderón Porras, a professor from the School of Health.
Ramon Leal, who has a long history of managing safety services at the university and serves as liaison with Civil Protection, emphasized the institution’s commitment to aiding the community. “Our interest in helping the community around does not stop when conditions are not favorable,” Leal said. “In emergencies and moments of great need, we have historically opened our doors and helped in any way possible.”
