Torrential rains and landslides have devastated central and eastern Mexico, isolating some 300 communities and leaving at least 64 people dead and dozens missing, authorities said Tuesday.
Triggered by two tropical storms converging off Mexico’s Pacific coast, the deluge unleashed deadly flooding that swept through mountain villages, wiping out homes, bridges and roads. The 400-person community of Chapula was almost completely destroyed when its river turned into a wall of water.
“There's nothing left. It wiped out houses, it wiped out the bridge, it wiped out everything,” said 21-year-old Stephanie Ramírez, one of the few who managed to escape by rescue helicopter after taking refuge in a warehouse.
Thousands of soldiers and emergency crews are struggling to reach remote areas where communications remain cut off. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said reopening roads, securing air bridges, and delivering food and water are top priorities.
In Hidalgo state alone, nearly half of the isolated towns are located, with around 100,000 homes damaged or destroyed. In Veracruz, where rainfall reached 24 inches in four days, at least 29 people died and more than 300,000 were affected, Governor Rocío Nahle said.
Floodwaters in cities like Poza Rica rose as high as 13 feet, coating buildings in black, oily residue from nearby oil and gas facilities. “It was terrifying, many people in the neighborhood couldn’t escape,” said resident Roberto Olvera.
Health authorities have begun fumigating to prevent dengue outbreaks, while damaged clinics are operating outdoors. The National Civil Protection Coordination reported 67 people still missing as of Tuesday.
Despite the government’s large-scale mobilization, residents in some areas have organized their own rescue and supply efforts, even using private helicopters to evacuate trapped villagers.
President Sheinbaum said the government “will spare no expense during this emergency” to reach survivors and restore devastated communities.
