Municipal crews in Los Cabos have pulled more than 400 tonnes of debris and waste from the Salto Seco arroyo in Cabo San Lucas as part of a pre-hurricane season cleanup. The city’s Public Services department also extracted 48 tonnes of branches and trash from the storm drain along Avenida Constituyentes, according to a statement from the Los Cabos municipal government.
In San José del Cabo, workers cleared 675 cubic meters of accumulated material from the San José Viejo arroyo and several smaller channels. The work is part of an annual effort to reduce the risk of flash flooding when tropical storms hit the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula, typically between June and November.
Clogged Arroyos Pose Serious Flood Risk
Arroyos, the dry streambeds that run through both Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo, become rushing torrents during heavy rains. When blocked by trash, construction rubble, and vegetation, they overflow into streets and neighborhoods. Hurricane Odile in 2014 and Tropical Storm Lidia in 2017 both caused severe arroyo flooding that damaged homes, hotels, and roads across the municipality.
More recently, Tropical Depression Raymond in October 2025 buried streets under layers of silt and forced extended closures of major corridors including Nicolás Tamaral and Leona Vicario. Cleaning the arroyos before the rains arrive is considered one of the most effective flood prevention measures available to local authorities.
Illegal Dumping Crackdown Continues
The municipal government is also warning residents and businesses against dumping trash, rubble, or household waste into arroyos and storm drains. The practice remains common despite years of enforcement efforts. In April 2026, the General Directorate of Ecology and Environment declared a “zero tolerance” policy for arroyo dumping, promising significant fines and administrative sanctions for violators.
Beyond flood risk, clogged arroyos carry urban waste and untreated sewage directly into the Sea of Cortez during storms. Officials say keeping the channels clear protects marine life and helps preserve the Blue Flag beach certifications that are important to the region’s tourism economy.
Authorities encouraged property owners near waterways to keep their yards free of loose debris that could wash into the channels. Collection services and authorized disposal centers are available for construction waste and large items.
The original report was published by the Los Cabos municipal government at loscabos.gob.mx.