The death toll from the severe rains and flooding in Mexico has reached 47, with authorities urgently responding to the aftermath of the natural disaster. Torrential downpours triggered landslides and flooding across several states, leaving behind extensive damage, especially in Veracruz, Hidalgo, and Puebla.
The heavy rainfall, caused by two tropical systems—Hurricane Priscilla and Tropical Storm Raymond—has left entire communities devastated. Over the weekend, floodwaters swept away vehicles, destroyed homes, and damaged vital infrastructure, leaving many areas submerged, reports AP.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum visited affected regions and announced plans for a census to help coordinate aid distribution to the affected populations. “We are working tirelessly to reach those in need,” Sheinbaum said. “There is a great deal of worry, but we will ensure that aid reaches everyone.”
According to Mexico’s Civil Protection agency, 18 deaths were reported in Veracruz, while Hidalgo saw 16 fatalities. Another 12 people were killed in Puebla, and a child died in Querétaro after being caught in a landslide. The agency has confirmed at least 38 people are missing in the three states.
Veracruz and Puebla, which have seen the worst of the flooding, are still facing significant challenges. Rescue teams, including army personnel, firefighters, and police officers, have been working around the clock to rescue stranded residents. Temporary shelters have been established to provide food and medical attention.
As of Sunday, parts of Veracruz had received up to 21 inches (54 cm) of rain from October 6 to 9. Poza Rica, an oil town northeast of Mexico City, was inundated when the Cazones River overflowed its banks, flooding low-lying neighborhoods with water levels reaching up to 12 feet.
“We have been able to establish air bridges to bring in food, water, and medical supplies to cut-off communities,” President Sheinbaum said while visiting Veracruz on Sunday. Authorities continue to struggle with widespread power and water outages across the affected areas.
With the two tropical systems now dissipated, the focus is on recovery efforts, including search operations for the missing and delivering aid to those in desperate need.
