Death toll from flooding in Mexico reaches 64, dozens remain unaccounted for.
At least 64 individuals have tragically lost their lives in Mexico due to exceptional rainfall and flooding that impacted five states last week. Laura Velazquez Alzua, chief of the National Civil Protection Coordination (CNPC), confirmed the toll during President Claudia Sheinbaum’s daily news briefing on Monday, revealing that an additional 65 people remain unaccounted for.
The state of Veracruz, located along the country’s southeastern coastline, has reported 29 fatalities, while Hidalgo has recorded 21 deaths. Deaths have also been reported in Puebla and Queretaro, adding to the overall impact of this natural disaster. In Hidalgo, 43 individuals are still missing, with another 18 unaccounted for in Veracruz and four in Puebla.
In response to this crisis, thousands of military personnel have been mobilized to aid the affected regions. Governors of the impacted states are collaborating to coordinate relief efforts, ensuring that resources are effectively utilized to assist those in need. Early assessments indicate that approximately 100,000 homes have suffered damage, with properties located near rivers experiencing catastrophic loss.
During the briefing, Sheinbaum faced inquiries regarding Mexico’s alert system, explaining that there were no meteorological indications signifying that the rains could reach such severe levels. Meteorologists attribute the downpour to the remnants of Hurricane Priscilla and Tropical Rainstorm Raymond, which caused rivers to swell rapidly, resulting in extensive flooding and landslides across the impacted regions.
The most significant rainfall was recorded on Wednesday in Cerro Azul, Veracruz, and Cuetzalan del Progreso, Puebla, with measurements reaching 280 mm and 286 mm, respectively. In a concerted response to the calamity, the Mexican Army, Air Force, and National Guard have joined forces to deliver humanitarian aid, including food and clean drinking water, to communities cut off by landslides and road blockages.
Efforts to restore electricity have also made notable progress. Nearly 400 repair workers have successfully reinstated over 80 percent of the power supply in the affected areas, where approximately 263,000 users had experienced outages.
This natural disaster underscores the importance of preparedness and resilience in the face of climate-related challenges. As Mexico navigates this crisis, the swift mobilization of resources and the solidarity displayed across the nation highlight the commitment to community support during difficult times.
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