November 19, 2007 (LPAC)--Commenting on the ongoing flood disaster in the southern Mexican states of Tabasco and Chiapas, statesman Lyndon LaRouche underscored the urgency of building the Northwest Water Project (PHLINO) in Mexico, along with a series of other water projects, such as NAWAPA in Canada and the United States, to prevent a tragedy such as has occurred in southern Mexico, from occurring again.

"I've pushed these projects for years," LaRouche said, but "people didn't listen." Now, they have to be built. Were a decision made to do so, he said, including with support from the United States, it would help Mexico both by creating jobs, and easing pressure on illegal immigration into the U.S.

LaRouche's call coincides with new warnings from Tabasco Governor Andres Granier that the capital of Villahermosa is threatened with more catastrophic flooding. Granier explained that because the pump that is supposed to remove sewage and excess water from the city--which is below the level of the nearby Grijalva River--was damaged in the recent flooding, any more rain that would raise the Grijalva's water level, would mean that millions of liters of water would pour into the center of Villahermosa.

Floods destroyed X-ray and other crucial medical technology on the first floor of the Pemex Regional Hospital. In other clinics and health centers, medical equipment is still under water. Cordova estimated that at least 130 clinics or health centers were damaged in the flooding, and that both private and public clinics may not reopen until the Health Secretary verifies that they meet all health and sanitary standards.