Melina Cruz Vera, a worker at the General Secondary School Number 5 of Poza Rica, reported alleged irregularities in the care of the FOVISSSTE damage insurance, after the offices located in the city of Xalapa remained closed without prior notice, despite the fact that dozens of people had scheduled appointments to carry out procedures related to damages caused by the flood of October 10, 2025.
The affected person explained that, after suffering total losses in her home due to this phenomenon, she began the process to collect the damage insurance that is deducted regularly via payroll. He indicated that, after communicating with FOVISSSTE, he was told that he had to go in person to the only existing office in the state of Veracruz, located in Plaza Urban Center, to compare documentation and deeds.
However, upon arriving early in the morning, he found a notice informing of the suspension of work due to “superior instructions,” without the security personnel being able to explain the reasons for the closure. He indicated that, when communicating with the central offices in Mexico City, they informed him that said headquarters did not have authorization to suspend activities, since only one office nationwide was closed.
Cruz Vera pointed out that it was not an isolated case, since dozens of users from different municipalities in the state attended the appointment, some even with confirmation via WhatsApp a day before, paying transportation costs, booths, lodging and food, without receiving any attention.
He explained that his procedure corresponds to payment for damages caused by the flood, which completely affected his home, even reaching the second floor and causing the loss of furniture, appliances, clothing and household goods, in addition to structural damage such as wiring, floors and walls. He acknowledged that the amount of insurance is limited, but considered it unfair not to receive it despite having met the established requirements.
The teacher added that, although there was initial support from the federal government, it was insufficient and, so far, the household goods promised since November have not been delivered, subsequently rescheduled for December and then for January, without the delivery having been fulfilled.
In this context, he expressed his disagreement with what he considered a lack of sensitivity on the part of the authorities, pointing out that many families continue to live among mud, dust, bad odors and health risks. He indicated that the recurrent rains continue to cause new flooding in some neighborhoods of Poza Rica, which keeps the affected population in constant uncertainty.
Finally, he expressed his concern for the health of families, especially girls and boys, given the persistence of pollution and waste. He added that the current damages, in his opinion, exceed those recorded in the 1999 flood, both due to the magnitude of the damage and the number of neighborhoods impacted, and asked the federal authorities to review the support, expedite insurance payments and guarantee effective care for the affected people.
