The death count from the recent torrential rains in Mexico has risen to 47, as the country grapples with the aftermath of widespread flooding and landslides. The severe weather has affected multiple states, prompting a swift response from authorities to assist those impacted, search for missing individuals, and initiate clean-up efforts.
The heavy rains, which began several days ago, have caused extensive damage in various parts of Mexico. Over the weekend, the extent of the devastation became more apparent as floodwaters swept away vehicles, destroyed homes, and damaged roads.
President Claudia Sheinbaum has visited some of the hardest-hit areas, announcing that the government will conduct a census of those affected to facilitate aid distribution. The Civil Protection agency reported that by Sunday night, the rains had claimed 18 lives in Veracruz state on the Gulf Coast, 16 in Hidalgo state north of Mexico City, and 12 in Puebla, east of Mexico City. In the central state of Querétaro, a child tragically lost their life in a landslide.
The death toll may continue to rise as rescue workers persist in their efforts to search through the mud and debris-filled villages. The Civil Protection agency has reported that at least 38 people are still missing across three states.
The deadly downpours have been attributed to two tropical systems, Hurricane Pricilla and Tropical Storm Raymond, which formed off Mexico’s western coast and have since dissipated. In response to the crisis, hundreds of army personnel, police officers, and firefighters have been deployed in Veracruz and Puebla to conduct rescue operations and establish temporary shelters. These shelters provide stranded residents with food and medical attention, as thousands across the country grapple with a lack of running water and electricity.
President Sheinbaum, during her visit to Veracruz, assured that efforts are being made to reach isolated communities. She stated, “We know that there is a lot of desperation and worry. We’re going to get to everyone.”
Veracruz state was particularly hard hit, receiving approximately 21 inches of rain from October 6 to 9. In Poza Rica, a town located 170 miles northeast of Mexico City, some neighborhoods experienced flooding of up to 12 feet when the Cazones River overflowed its banks on Friday.