Subject: Viridian Note 00105: Viridian Disasters

Key concepts: Viridian disasters, crocodiles, Mexico

Attention Conservation Notice: It's yet another one of Mexico's "natural" weather catastrophes.

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From: ljaurbach@erols.com^^^^^**** (Laurence J. Aurbach)

LJ Aurbach remarks: Another Viridian Disaster in an ongoing series. Note that Villahermosa is labeled an "oil town." Also note the usual description, "worst natural disaster of the decade." Sounds like "greasy, smoky fingerprints" to me!

Source: Reuters, October 15, 1999
Crocodiles Invade Mexican Flood Disaster Zone

"VILLAHERMOSA, Mexico (Reuters) == Crocodiles have invaded the southeastern Mexican city of Villahermosa since torrential rains covered about three-quarters of it with water.

"Environmental authorities said Friday that they had
trapped nine crocodiles, ranging from 3 to 8 feet in length.

"An oil city of 465,000 people and the capital of
tropical Tabasco state, Villahermosa lies about 425 miles east of Mexico City and 40 miles from the Gulf of Mexico.

"Flooding caused by torrential rains in recent weeks
has killed at least 360 people and devastated wide stretches of the central and southern parts of Mexico in the country's worst natural disaster of the decade.

"It has also given crocodiles the right of way in
streets that were covered in 6 to 10 feet of water during the worst of the rains earlier this month.

"'We're getting used to (the crocodiles),' said
Armando Zuniga, a resident of one of the wettest neighborhoods. 'We've caught two of them in a week.' (...)

"'We have had no reports of attacks on the
population, but our recommendation is for people to respect the animal and not bother it,' said Roberto Arrechea, a representative of the Environment Ministry in Villahermosa."

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TABASCO SAUCE 1999: JUST ADD PEPPERS, URBAN GATORS,
AVALANCHING MUD AND TWO FEET OF GREENHOUSE RAIN
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