Mexico: At least 64 dead and 65 missing after a week of torrential rains
Mexico has reported at least 64 fatalities and 65 people missing following a week of intense rainfall across several states in central and eastern parts of the country, according to the latest government update from Monday. The majority of deaths and damage have been concentrated in the states of Veracruz (east), Hidalgo, and Puebla (central), as noted by Laura Velazquez, the national civil protection chief.
The heaviest rainfall occurred between Monday and Thursday, leading to rising river and creek levels near these states, resulting in flooding and destruction, Velazquez stated during the morning conference with President Claudia Sheinbaum.
The highest number of missing persons is reported in Hidalgo, where 43 individuals remain unaccounted for. When questioned about potential failures in forecasting services, Sheinbaum explained that several meteorological factors had converged, making it difficult to obtain timely information about this situation, which differs from hurricanes.
According to meteorological services, the current rainfall, which comes at the end of the wet season, is the result of a tropical depression entering through the Gulf of Mexico, which encountered a cold front from the north, thereby promoting the rains.
In Veracruz, a coastal city crossed by major rivers, residents were advised to evacuate on Friday due to the risk of flooding. However, in mountainous areas, rivers swell suddenly due to concentrated rainfall in specific locations.
- Air Bridge -
In the mountainous region of Hidalgo, an air bridge has been established to assist isolated populations due to roads being cut off by water. On Sunday afternoon, AFP observed military and government helicopters operating in Pachuca, the capital of Hidalgo.
"Numerous flights are necessary to deliver enough food and water," Sheinbaum noted. Several patients from a hospital in the municipality of San Bartolo Tutotepec have been airlifted due to road closures isolating multiple villages, local authorities reported.
The mayor of San Bartolo Tutotepec, Uvaslado Gonzalez, informed AFP on Monday of "two deaths from a landslide that crushed two houses." Access to the most remote communities is complicated by landslides and mudflows, he explained.
For one resident, the challenge lies in finding essential goods. "Everyone wanted to buy at the same time, everything was sold out, and what’s left is very expensive," said Cira Gonzalez.
AFP noted the closure of several roads around the municipality of Tenango de Doria, one of the hardest-hit areas. Many residents in search of water and food walked several kilometers, some carrying personal belongings to settle in government shelters.
"We walked two and a half hours in the mud, crossing paths and landslides. Everything is destroyed, we have no food, nothing left," stated Marco Mendoza, a 35-year-old farmer, after failing to find supplies for his family in Tenango de Doria stores.
Shops in the downtown area are without electricity, and residents gather in the central square to learn about road reopenings and relief coordination. A merchant from San Clemente recounted that his truck carrying a ton of vegetables has been stuck at the foot of the mountains since Thursday: "It hasn’t been possible to go any further," he lamented, fearing for his goods.
Cloud cover dissipated on Sunday, allowing public works vehicles to begin clearing road access, AFP reported.