At least 27 people have died and others are missing, after floods in Mexico triggered landslides and swept away homes, vehicles, and bridges. The heavy rainfall on Thursday and Friday caused rivers to burst their banks, with Hidalgo in east Mexico being one of the worst-affected areas, reporting 16 deaths.
The Devastation
Thousands of houses have been damaged or destroyed as fast-running water careered down streets, carrying cars, while highways were blocked with debris and electricity cut off. In Puebla, state governor Alejandro Armenta said at least nine people had died while five others had been reported missing. An estimated 80,000 people have been impacted by the weather in Puebla alone, the state’s government said.
Government Response
Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum said the government has deployed 5,400 personnel to help communities, clear roads, and hand out aid. “We are working to support the population, open roads, and restore electrical service,” she wrote on social media.
Eyewitness Accounts
“No one was prepared for this,” Jose Cervantes, owner of a coffee shop in one of the affected areas, told Reuters news agency. “The flood reached a height of one and a half meters. Everything was flooded, the dining room and the entire restaurant, the kitchen, the bathroom, the games room, the private area. Everything is in terrible condition”.
Affected Areas
The floods have affected several states, including Veracruz, Puebla, Hidalgo, Queretaro, and San Luis Potosi. In Veracruz, over 21 inches of rainfall fell between 6 and 9 October alone, causing widespread destruction.
Humanitarian Crisis
The floods have left thousands without power, and many are struggling to access basic necessities like food and water. The government has promised to provide aid, but the scale of the disaster is overwhelming.
International Response
The international community is watching the situation closely, with many expressing their condolences and offering support.
Mexico Floods: Devastation and Despair as Death Toll Rises
