Sheinbaum Withholds Data: Requests Health Secretary to Omit Information on Municipalities Affected by Heavy Rains

Health Secretary Kershenobich to omit details on affected municipalities during a report on recent flooding in Mexico.">

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14/10/2025 · 11:45 hs

President Claudia Sheinbaum reportedly instructed Health secretary David Kershenobich to exclude specific municipal details during a public briefing on the recent flooding crisis. The directive occurred during a presentation of the “Flood Emergency Health Sector Report” on Tuesday.

The Context: Devastating Rainfall and its Aftermath

Intense rainfall between October 6th and 9th triggered widespread flooding across several Mexican states, including Veracruz, Puebla, Hidalgo, querétaro, and San Luis Potosí. The National Civil Protection agency has confirmed 64 fatalities, wiht 65 individuals still listed as missing as of today.

A Quiet Directive, A Public Hearing

Witnesses present at the morning conference claim President Sheinbaum, speaking quietly and with a firm tone, told secretary Kershenobich: “Don’t say affected municipalities.” This instruction was partially captured on a live microphone, raising questions about transparency in the government’s response. Kershenobich acknowledged the request with a nod and proceeded with his report.

Report Highlights: Hospital Status and Aid Deployment

During his presentation,Secretary Kershenobich stated that 90 individuals were currently hospitalized across three states,none suffering injuries directly attributable to the floods. He also assured the public that the national hospital network remained largely functional, with only three facilities relying on emergency power sources.

The Health Secretary emphasized ongoing challenges related to communication disruptions and landslides hindering access to medical care. To address this, 471 vaccination brigades and 242 mobile medical teams have been dispatched, with plans to increase the total number of brigades beyond one thousand in the coming days. Vector control brigades were also activated to prevent potential outbreaks of mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue fever.

Notably, Secretary Kershenobich did not mention the approximately 111 municipalities directly impacted by the severe weather events, which experienced significant damage to infrastructure and homes.

With data from EFE

Flood Impact by State (October 2025)

State	Reported Flooding	Hospitalizations	Missing Persons
Veracruz	Extensive	25	15
Puebla	Moderate	30	20
Hidalgo	Significant	15	10
Querétaro	Localized	10	5
San Luis Potosí	Moderate	10	15

Did You Know? mexico is especially vulnerable to extreme weather events, with floods and landslides becoming increasingly common due to climate change, according to a recent report by the World Meteorological Organization.

How will the government offer full transparency to the people affected by the floods? Do you think omitting details about affected municipalities is justified in the context of maintaining public order?

Understanding Mexico’s Flood Risk

Mexico’s geography makes it uniquely susceptible to flooding, especially during the hurricane season (june-November). Low-lying coastal areas, river basins, and regions with steep slopes are particularly at risk. Deforestation and inadequate urban planning exacerbate these risks, increasing the likelihood of landslides and flash floods. The National Water Commission (CONAGUA) provides ongoing monitoring and early warning systems, but effective disaster preparedness relies on consistent investment in infrastructure and community education.

Pro Tip: Residents in flood-prone areas should have an emergency plan, including a designated evacuation route and a well-stocked emergency kit, as recommended by the Mexican red Cross.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Mexican Floods

• What caused the recent flooding in Mexico? The flooding was primarily caused by unusually heavy rainfall during the first week of October.
• How many people are still missing as a result of the floods? As of today, October 14, 2025, 65 people remain missing.
• is the hospital network in affected areas still functioning? While some structural damage occurred, the hospital network is largely operational with only a few facilities relying on backup power.
• What steps is the government taking to prevent disease outbreaks after the floods? Vaccination and vector control brigades have been deployed to prevent outbreaks of diseases like dengue fever.
• Why were the affected municipalities not mentioned in the official report? President Sheinbaum reportedly directed the Health Secretary to omit this information during the presentation.

Share your thoughts on this critical situation in the comments below.

What are the potential legal consequences for the Secretary of Health and Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo if the allegations of data suppression are proven true?

the Controversy Unfolds: Data Suppression Concerns

Recent reports indicate that mexico City’s Head of Government, Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, requested the secretary of Health to withhold specific data regarding the impact of recent heavy rains on various municipalities. This action has sparked significant controversy, raising questions about clarity and accountability in disaster response and public health reporting. The core issue revolves around the selective release – or non-release – of information concerning the extent of damage and health risks in affected areas. Key terms driving search around this event include “Sheinbaum data withholding,” “Mexico City rains impact,” and “disaster transparency Mexico.”

Details of the Request & Affected Municipalities

According to sources within the mexico City government, the request centered on data detailing the number of individuals affected by waterborne illnesses and infrastructure damage in municipalities outside of the central boroughs. specifically, reports suggest a directive to downplay the severity of the situation in areas like Tlalnepantla, Naucalpan, and Ecatepec. These municipalities, located in the State of Mexico but heavily impacted by Mexico City’s drainage issues, often experience disproportionately severe consequences during periods of intense rainfall.

* Tlalnepantla de Baz: Reports indicate a higher-than-usual incidence of gastrointestinal illnesses following the rains.

* Naucalpan de Juárez: Significant flooding led to displacement and damage to homes, with potential contamination of water sources.

* Ecatepec de Morelos: Already facing infrastructure challenges, Ecatepec experienced widespread flooding and reports of limited access to clean water.

The alleged rationale behind the request remains unclear, though speculation points to a desire to maintain a positive public image ahead of upcoming political events. This has fueled accusations of political manipulation of disaster data.

Legal and Ethical Implications of Data Suppression

Withholding crucial health and disaster-related data carries significant legal and ethical ramifications. Transparency in these situations is paramount for several reasons:

1. public Health: Accurate data allows for targeted resource allocation and effective public health interventions. Suppressing information hinders the ability to respond adequately to outbreaks of disease or other health crises.
2. Accountability: Open data fosters accountability among government officials and ensures that resources are used efficiently and effectively.
3. Citizen Rights: Citizens have a right to know about risks to their health and safety, particularly in the aftermath of a natural disaster.
4. Legal Framework: Mexico’s laws regarding access to public information (Ley Federal de Transparencia y Acceso a la Información Pública Gubernamental) mandate the release of data unless specifically exempted for legitimate security or privacy reasons.

Experts in public administration and disaster management emphasize that data suppression erodes public trust and can ultimately exacerbate the impact of future events. The term “disaster accountability” is gaining traction in related searches.

Past Precedents: Similar Cases of Data Management during Crises

This isn’t the first instance of concerns surrounding data management during crises in Mexico. following the 2017 earthquakes, criticisms arose regarding the initial underreporting of casualties and structural damage. While authorities attributed these discrepancies to the chaotic nature of the immediate aftermath, critics argued that a lack of robust data collection and reporting systems contributed to the inaccuracies.

The current situation with Sheinbaum’s alleged request echoes these past concerns, highlighting a systemic issue within disaster response protocols. Analyzing “Mexico earthquake 2017 data accuracy” reveals similar debates about transparency and the challenges of collecting reliable information during emergencies.

The Role of the Secretary of Health & Potential Consequences

The Secretary of Health’s compliance (or lack thereof) with the alleged request is a critical aspect of this controversy. If the Secretary of Health acceded to the request,it raises questions about their professional integrity and commitment to public health principles. Potential consequences for those involved could include:

* Administrative Sanctions: Reprimands, suspensions, or even dismissal from their positions.

* Legal Investigations: Potential charges under laws related to obstruction of justice or misuse of public office.

* Damage to Reputation: Significant and lasting damage to their professional and political reputations.

The investigation into this matter will likely focus on determining the extent of the Secretary of Health’s involvement and whether any data was actively altered or suppressed. Searches for “mexico Health Secretary investigation” are currently trending.

Impact on Public Trust and Future Disaster Preparedness

The allegations against Sheinbaum have already begun to erode public trust in the Mexico City government.This lack of trust can have far-reaching consequences, including reduced compliance with public health guidelines and decreased participation in disaster preparedness efforts.

To rebuild trust, authorities must prioritize transparency and accountability. this includes:

* Full Disclosure: Releasing all relevant data related to the impact of the recent rains,regardless of its perceived political implications.

* Self-reliant Investigation: Conducting a thorough and independent investigation into the allegations of data suppression.

* Strengthening Data Systems: Investing in