Update: Tijuana’s council declares an El Niño emergency, freeing the city to buy and hire without bidding

Tijuana’s city council, the Cabildo, unanimously approved an emergency declaration for El Niño on Thursday, Nov. 5, in an extraordinary session, according to Uniradio Informa and La Jornada Baja California. It covers severe rain, strong winds and flooding linked to the weather pattern. Mayor Ismael Burgueño Ruiz presented it as a preventive step rather than a sign that a disaster is imminent, Tijuana en Línea reported.

What the declaration does

• It lets the city spend public money right away and skip the usual bidding process, which Burgueño said can take two to two and a half months (Tijuana en Línea).
• The city treasury can move budget items, and designated officials can contract services, supplies and staff for the emergency, coordinate with state and federal authorities and seek available federal funds (Uniradio).
• The planned work includes clearing storm drains and buying shelter equipment and machinery (La Jornada).
• Several departments, including civil protection, must draw up studies, plans and budgets for the areas with the most unstable ground (Uniradio).

Zeta reported that the declaration covers November and December 2026 and January 2027, and its account of the session named San Antonio de los Buenos, Sánchez Taboada and Playas de Tijuana as the boroughs at greatest risk of flooding and landslides because of their slopes and arroyos. No amount has been set; the mayor said the fund will be adjusted as forecasts develop (Tijuana en Línea). Síndica Teresita Balderas Beltrán said her office will carry out the corresponding reviews and that the declaration should not be seen as a blank check (Uniradio), and PAN councilor Gina Arana asked for a report every two months (Zeta).

Burgueño recalled the El Niño rains of December 1992 and January 1993, which left large parts of the city badly damaged, La Jornada reported; the paper added that prolonged rain is expected from mid-December and could last into March 2027. Municipal civil protection said on Nov. 4 that the most intense conditions should start in the second week of December (our update).

What it means if you’re visiting

The declaration doesn’t announce any closures; it’s about how fast the city can act. If you’re coming for the holidays, check the forecast before you cross, stay away from arroyos and flooded streets when it pours, and keep our alert kit handy. For households, state civil protection coordinator Ignacio Lozoya Morales recommends an emergency kit with drinking water, non-perishable food, a radio with spare batteries, a flashlight and documents in airtight bags, enough for at least 72 hours, Tijuana en Línea reported.