The governor of Veracruz, Norma Rocío Nahle García, reported the conclusion of the “Sheltering Hearts” program, which ran from December 12 to February 1 with the objective of protecting the most vulnerable population from the low temperatures recorded during the winter season.
When presenting the balance of results, the state president highlighted that this strategy was executed interinstitutionally, with the participation of the state DIF, the Ministry of Social Development, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Public Security and the Ministry of Civil Protection, in addition to federal agencies, the Mexican Army, the National Guard and the city councils.
On instructions from the governor, the program operated continuously for almost two months, without interruptions, through brigades that mainly visited communities located more than 2,000 meters above sea level, characterized by high and very high rates of marginalization, many of them with indigenous populations.
As part of comprehensive care, this year coverage was expanded to municipalities in the Huasteca region that were affected by floods last October, reinforcing support for communities that face conditions of prolonged vulnerability.
According to the report presented, the program reached 38 municipalities distributed in eight regions of the state, with direct attention in 508 locations. The brigades carried out daily tours that included between 20 and 25 communities.
In total, 125,403 blankets and 64,407 food supplies were delivered, benefiting the same number of families. The food packages, designed by the state DIF, provided complementary food for households of up to four members for several days.
The actions also included the installation of mobile kitchens by the Civil Protection Secretariat, where hot food with healthy menus and special options for girls and boys were offered. In parallel, brigades from the Ministry of Health carried out vaccination, medical care and preventive orientation sessions, mainly for respiratory diseases.
The work was carried out under the schemes of the DN-III Plan of the Mexican Army and the social work programs of the National Guard, which provided logistical support, transportation and distribution of supplies in the areas served.
Among the benefited municipalities are mountain towns and communities of Soteapan, Ilamatlán, Zontecomatlán, Huayacocotla and Texcatepec, some of them previously affected by hydrometeorological phenomena.
State authorities reported that two additional routes remain pending in the municipalities of Quecuatlán and Chiconquiaco, which will be replaced due to weather and logistical conditions that prevented their completion on previous dates.
In relation to the effects of the cold, it was indicated that there is no record of deaths associated with low temperatures, information collected by the Ministry of Health. Likewise, it was specified that, although low temperatures have occurred, historical minimums have not been reached and that factors such as thermal sensation influence the health impacts.
Finally, it was reported that there are no conditions for the suspension of classes, since temperatures remain within the usual ranges of the winter season; However, permanent monitoring and the activation of temporary shelters will continue if necessary.
In addition to promoting recreation and sports, the activity represents an important economic benefit for service providers, local businesses and entrepreneurs, who benefit from the arrival of visitors during the development of the event.
