What happened?
MEXICO — Torrential rainfall in central and southeastern Mexico has left at least 28 people dead and several others missing, authorities confirmed on Friday. The severe weather has triggered landslides, damaged homes and highways, and caused widespread power outages across multiple states.
The National Coordinator for Civil Protection, Laura Velazquez, said rivers overflowed and roads collapsed as emergency teams rushed to reach isolated communities. “We are working to support the population, open roads and restore electrical services,” Claudia Sheinbaum, the president of Mexico, said after meeting with local officials.
Widespread damage
The heaviest damage has been reported in the states of Hidalgo, Puebla, and Veracruz.
- Hidalgo officials reported 16 deaths, more than 1,000 homes affected, and damage to hundreds of schools.
- Puebla’s governor, Alejandro Armenta, said nine people died in incidents such as landslides, with at least five others missing.
- Veracruz authorities reported at least two deaths, as flooding engulfed parts of Poza Rica and other municipalities.
Videos posted to social media showed streets turned into rivers, carrying away vehicles and partially submerging homes. One viral clip captured a floating restaurant being swept away by raging floodwaters in Tuxpan, Veracruz.
Rescue efforts underway
The Mexican government has deployed more than 8,700 military and emergency personnel to monitor high-risk zones, evacuate residents, and clear debris. Footage released by the navy shows an officer wading through neck-deep water in Poza Rica to rescue stranded residents.
Authorities are also working to restore power and reopen highways cut off by flood damage and landslides.
Storm systems fueling the disaster
Meteorologists say the flooding is being worsened by multiple storm systems, including Tropical Storm Raymond and Tropical Storm Priscilla, which are currently dumping heavy rains along the country’s Pacific coast.
Raymond is expected to make landfall on Sunday, while forecasters warn of additional rain and flash flooding in the coming days. The storms are being intensified by La Niña, a climate pattern known to fuel extreme weather events worldwide.
What’s next?
Authorities have urged residents in flood-prone areas to remain on alert, avoid crossing rivers, and follow evacuation orders. The death toll may rise as rescue teams continue to search for missing people in remote and flooded regions.
