Mexico (TDI): Mexico is reeling from a fierce bout of tropical-storm-driven rains that have led to widespread flooding, landslides, power outages, and infrastructure collapse.
At least 28 people have died and numerous others remain missing, as downpours battered large parts of the country, especially in central and southeastern states.
The floods were triggered by prolonged heavy rainfall across 31 of Mexico’s 32 states, according to the national civil defense coordinator Laura Velázquez. Rivers overflowed, roads collapsed, and entire communities were cut off from power or access.
The worst-hit regions include Hidalgo, where 16 deaths have been recorded. In Puebla, nine have died and 13 are missing, with estimates that about 80,000 people have been impacted.
In the Gulf coast state of Veracruz, two people died, including one police officer, and around 5,000 homes sustained damage.
In Hidalgo alone, over 1,000 houses, 59 hospitals and clinics, and 308 schools have been damaged by flooding or landslides. Across six states, nearly 1,000 km of roads have been impaired, while over 320,000 electricity users lost power.
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To assist the affected populations, Mexico has mobilized a large rescue and relief operation. More than 8,700 military personnel have been deployed to oversee evacuations, clear roads, and coordinate cleanup efforts.
The federal navy also deployed ships, helicopters, potable-water plants, aircraft, mobile kitchens and food baskets. President Claudia Sheinbaum said efforts were underway “to support the population, open roads and restore electrical services.”
Adding to the crisis, tropical storm Raymond is now off Mexico’s Pacific coast, producing more rainfall as it moves northward. It is projected to make landfall on Mexican soil by Sunday.
Raymond is the third system this week, alongside Priscilla and post-tropical cyclone Octave, to threaten heavy rain further inland.
Meteorologists have pointed to the return of the La Niña pattern, which can intensify tropical cyclones and shift precipitation patterns worldwide.
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