Mexico floods: Death toll rises to 64 as heavy rains hit
The death toll from torrential rains in Mexico has risen to 64, with more than 60 people reported missing in the central and eastern states, say Mexican authorities.
The states of Veracruz, Hidalgo and Puebla have recorded the highest numbers of casualties and the most extensive damage, said Laura Velázquez, the Head of Civil Protection.
The torrential downpours caused rivers to overflow, leading to widespread flooding and destruction, the AFP news agency reported. The largest number of missing people – 43 – is in Hidalgo state, according to an official report.
In the mountainous Hidalgo region, several small communities were isolated by road closures, and multiple helicopters have been deployed for emergency cases.
On Sunday afternoon, military and government aircraft were operational in the city of Pachuca, the capital of Hidalgo state.
Several patients were airlifted from a hospital in San Bartolo de Tutotepec because of road closures that had isolated several small villages.
Mexico hit by severe flooding with tens of thousands at risk
Since the middle of last week, intense rains have fallen across almost all of Mexico, causing rivers to overflow, submerging entire villages, triggering landslides and the collapse of roads and bridges, and causing power and communications outages.
To cope with the situation, President Claudia Sheinbaum has ordered the mobilization of 10,000 military troops for rescue operations and to assist the population at risk.
The country has been hit by exceptionally heavy rains since the start of the year, including record rainfall in the capital. Authorities warn that extreme weather events are continuing and the situation remains critical in several areas.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
