Heavy rains in Mexico between October 6 and 9 have triggered widespread flooding and landslides, claiming at least 41 lives so far. Several states, including Veracruz, Hidalgo, Puebla, and Querétaro, have experienced severe destruction. Collapsed roads and bridges, damage to thousands of homes, and widespread power outages have disrupted daily life across the region.
Causes of Heavy Rain and Affected Areas
The heavy rainfall was caused by Tropical Storms Priscilla and Raymond along the country’s western coast, registering intense rain across 32 of the 31 states. Hidalgo was the worst-hit, with 22 deaths and nearly 1,000 homes damaged or destroyed. Veracruz reported 15 fatalities, with flooding in oil-producing areas such as Poza Rica. Puebla also suffered heavy damage, with 9 deaths and more than 16,000 homes affected. In Querétaro, a child lost their life due to a landslide. Over 320,000 people nationwide have been affected by power outages.
Floods and Landslides Havoc
In many parts of Mexico, rivers overflowed, breaching dams and flooding nearby communities. Landslides destroyed slopes and mud-brick homes, while roads and transport routes were immediately blocked. The lack of solid infrastructure led to the collapse of several bridges and roads, hampering relief operations.
Relief Operations and Military Involvement
In response to the crisis, the Mexican government deployed over 8,700 military personnel for relief and rescue operations. Army and navy personnel are working continuously to rescue people stranded in flooded areas. Rescue teams are delivering aid using helicopters, boats, and vehicles. So far, 42 isolated communities have been reached with relief supplies. Efforts to restore electricity and clear roads are also underway.
Civil Protection Advisory
The National Civil Protection Coordination reported that rescue operations are ongoing, with 27 missing persons still being searched for. State and federal authorities have organized special meetings to restore essential services in affected areas. President Claudia Sheinbaum tweeted, “We are fully supporting people, opening roads, and working to restore electricity services.”
Impact on Daily Life
Thousands have been displaced due to heavy rains and flooding. Several schools, hospitals, and roads are partially or fully closed. In Hidalgo, around 90 communities remain inaccessible to rescue teams, making aid delivery challenging. Approximately 80,000 people have been affected in Puebla. Local authorities have set up shelters for those displaced, while power outages have left many areas in darkness and disrupted transportation.
Meteorologists’ Warning
Meteorologists have warned that Priscilla, Raymond, and other storm systems from the Pacific Ocean could bring further rainfall to southwestern Mexico and surrounding regions. This poses additional risks to crops, homes, and infrastructure. Flooding could worsen in the coming days, and authorities have urged continued vigilance.
Conclusion
Heavy rains in Mexico have devastated communities, causing 41 deaths due to floods and landslides. Relief and rescue operations are ongoing, with police, army, and navy personnel assisting affected populations. Authorities are working swiftly to restore roads, electricity, and provide food and shelter. Mexico still faces a prolonged struggle to recover, as the threat of further rainfall and flooding remains.
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Utkarsh works as a Sub-Editor at 1Tak News. Technology and gadgets are his main beats, and he also tracks automobiles. A graduate of Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth, he began his journalism career in 2023 and has built experience across digital media platforms like 1Tak. Besides technology, he also has considerable experience covering national affairs, politics, research, and international news.
