Death toll from Mexico flooding rises to 44, dozens more missing

"Crisis has damaged more than 16,000 homes and caused widespread electricity cuts. Torrential flooding has continued to sweep parts of central and southeastern Mexico, raising the death toll to at least 44 people in less than a week. Heavy downpours caused by two tropical storms have triggered landslides and flooding across five states, including Veracruz, Puebla, Hidalgo, Queretaro and San Luis Potosi, the government said in a statement on Sunday."

"Floods have killed 18 people in Veracruz state, 16 in Hidalgo, nine in Puebla and one in Queretaro, the statement said. Mexico's El Universal newspaper put the death toll even higher at 48 and reported that dozens remain missing. Around 320,000 people have experienced power outages, and at least 16,000 homes have been damaged, according to authorities, who fear that more landslides and overflowing rivers could exacerbate the damage."

"President Claudia Sheinbaum said the military has been mobilised to help with rescue operations and aid distributions. We will not leave anyone without support, she said in a post on X. Photos posted by the military showed people being evacuated by soldiers with life rafts, homes flooded with mud, and rescue workers trudging through waist-high waters. Members of Mexico's National Guard transport people to Tulancingo after heavy rains in Hidalgo state, Mexico, on October 12 [Alfredo Estrella/AFP]"

Heavy downpours from remnants of Hurricane Priscilla and Tropical Rainstorm Raymond have caused torrential flooding across central and southeastern Mexico. Landslides and overflowing rivers have struck Veracruz, Puebla, Hidalgo, Querétaro and San Luis Potosí, killing at least 44 people and leaving dozens reported missing. More than 16,000 homes were damaged and around 320,000 people experienced power outages. Authorities fear additional landslides and river overflows could worsen the situation. The military and National Guard have been mobilised for rescues and aid distribution, conducting evacuations with life rafts and transporting affected people to safer locations.

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