Mexico floods kill at least 23 people as storms head north

"Mexico's civil defence authorities on Friday reported intense rainfall in 31 of 32 states, with the worst-affected areas being Veracruz in the east, Queretaro and Hidalgo in the centre, and the north-central state of San Luis Potosi. Torrential rains have burst rivers, sparking floods and landslides in eastern Mexico. Photograph: Rolando Ramos/Reuters In Hidalgo state, 16 deaths were reported and 1,000 homes were affected. Five deaths were reported in Puebla state, and 11 people were unaccounted for."

"A child died in Veracruz state and a police officer in Queretaro. Laura Velazquez, the national coordinator for civil defence, said there were landslides, overflowing rivers and road collapses in the affected states. After a meeting with local officials and members of her cabinet, Mexico's president, Claudia Sheinbaum, said that officials were working to support the population, reopen roads and get the power back on. Shelters are open for people forced out of their homes by flooding."

Intense rainfall affected 31 of 32 Mexican states, with Veracruz, Queretaro, Hidalgo and San Luis Potosi among the worst hit. Torrential rains burst rivers and triggered floods and landslides that resulted in at least 23 deaths. Hidalgo reported 16 fatalities and roughly 1,000 homes affected; Puebla recorded five deaths with 11 people unaccounted for. A child died in Veracruz and a police officer died in Queretaro. Landslides, overflowing rivers and road collapses impaired infrastructure. More than 5,400 troops were deployed to distribute aid, shelters opened for displaced people, and Tropical Storm Raymond added heavy rains and damage in southern states.

Read at www.theguardian.com