Severe flooding in Mexico has led to the loss of at least 27 lives, with additional individuals reported missing, as devastating rains triggered landslides that swept away homes, vehicles, and infrastructure. Authorities have confirmed that heavy rainfall on Thursday and Friday caused rivers to overflow, particularly impacting the eastern state of Hidalgo, which has reported 16 fatalities.
Impact on communities and infrastructure
The aftermath of the floods has been catastrophic, with thousands of homes either damaged or completely destroyed. Fast-moving waters surged through streets, carrying away cars and blocking highways with debris. Essential services have been severely disrupted, with many areas experiencing power outages.
In a response to the crisis, President Claudia Sheinbaum announced the deployment of 5,400 personnel to assist affected communities by clearing roads and distributing aid. She emphasized the government’s commitment to support the population by stating,
“We are working to support the population, open roads and restore electrical service.”
Continued rescue efforts and personal accounts
In addition to ground personnel, approximately 3,300 naval troops have been mobilized to aid in evacuations and manage the aftermath of the flooding.
In the nearby state of Puebla, Governor Alejandro Armenta reported at least nine deaths and five individuals still unaccounted for, with around 80,000 residents impacted by the extreme weather conditions. The devastation has also claimed two lives in Veracruz.
Local business owner Jose Cervantes shared his traumatic experience, saying,
“No one was prepared for this. 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.”
The unfolding situation remains critical as rescue efforts continue and communities begin to assess the extensive damage caused by these unprecedented floods.