At least 44 people have died in widespread flooding and landslides across central and southeastern Mexico, as torrential rains continue to batter the region, officials confirmed Sunday.
The floods, driven by two tropical weather systems the remnants of Hurricane Priscilla and Tropical Rainstorm Raymond have impacted five states: Veracruz, Puebla, Hidalgo, Queretaro, and San Luis Potosi.
According to the Mexican government, the death toll includes 18 in Veracruz, 16 in Hidalgo, nine in Puebla, and one in Queretaro. Mexico’s El Universal newspaper reported an even higher toll of 48, and noted that dozens remain missing.
Around 320,000 people have experienced power outages, while at least 16,000 homes have suffered damage. Authorities warn that ongoing rains could trigger further landslides and river overflows.
President Claudia Sheinbaum announced that the military has been deployed to assist with evacuations, rescue operations, and distribution of aid. “We will not leave anyone without support,” she said in a message on X (formerly Twitter).
Images released by the armed forces show residents being evacuated in life rafts, flooded homes caked in mud, and soldiers wading through waist-deep water.
Mexico has seen unusually intense rainfall this year, with Mexico City recording its wettest June in over two decades. The remnants of Tropical Rainstorm Raymond are expected to reach southern Baja California by Sunday night, with wind gusts of up to 45 km/h (28 mph).
Erizia Rubyjeana
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