Heavy rainfall continues to be unleashed over central and southeastern Mexico. Sadly, that death toll has now reached 64. The torrential rain this week has led to rivers bursting their banks, flooding entire communities and making most roads in the region impassable. Besides the confirmed death toll of 485, 65 people are still missing as rescue efforts stretch further out into some of the hardest-hit areas.
The flooding and torrential rains have hit Veracruz state the hardest. At least 29 deaths were reported along the Gulf Coast. That can be seen in the response in Hidalgo state, north of Mexico City, which reported 21 fatalities. A young girl was killed in a landslide in Querétaro. This traumatic event only exacerbates the grave impacts that extreme conditions have been causing on our nation. In Puebla, to the east of the capital, at least 13 people were killed.
Laura Velázquez Alzúa, the Civil Defense Coordinator, was leading continuing search and rescue operations. Army Corps of Engineers Thousands of military personnel have been deployed throughout the region to help relief operations. The Mexican government has activated the country’s resources to deliver aid and assistance to those affected by the disaster.
Claudia Sheinbaum toured numerous communities in Puebla and Veracruz that experienced widespread destruction. She emphasized the government’s commitment to addressing the crisis, stating, “There are sufficient resources, this won’t be skimped on … because we’re still in the emergency period.”
Currently, 80 communities in northern Veracruz are still cut off from all roads, making rescues and relief distribution all the more challenging. The flooding was catastrophic and an estimated 100,000 homes have been damaged. Many homes along these river communities have “virtually vanished,” with families displaced and stranded in desperate need of help.
In her visit, Sheinbaum highlighted the logistical challenges faced in delivering aid, noting, “A lot of flights are required to take sufficient food and water.” The urgency of the situation remains palpable as authorities work tirelessly to locate missing persons and provide necessary resources to affected areas.
