In brief
At least 27 people have died and many others are missing in the aftermath of severe flooding across Mexico. The flooding, exacerbated by heavy rainfall, has caused extensive damage, particularly in Hidalgo, where 16 fatalities were reported. Thousands are affected, and the government has mobilized thousands of personnel to aid rescue efforts and restore services.
At least 27 people have died and others are missing, according to authorities, after floods in Mexico triggered landslides and swept away homes, vehicles, and bridges.
Heavy rainfall on Thursday and Friday caused rivers to burst their banks. Hidalgo in east Mexico was one of the worst affected areas, with 16 deaths reported.
Thousands of houses have been damaged or destroyed as fast-running water careered down streets, carrying cars, while highways were blocked with debris and electricity cut off.
Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum said the government has deployed 5,400 personnel to help communities, clear roads and hand out aid.
She wrote on social media: We are working to support the population, open roads and restore electrical service. In addition, 3,300 naval troops are helping with evacuations as well as clearing up the aftereffects of the floods.
In Puebla, state governor Alejandro Armenta reported at least nine fatalities and five missing, with an estimate that around 80,000 people have been affected by the adverse weather conditions in the region. Additionally, two deaths were confirmed in Veracruz.
Local business owner Jose Cervantes described the sudden disaster, stating, No one was prepared for this. The flood reached a height of one and a half meters. Everything was flooded, the dining room and the entire restaurant, the kitchen, the bathroom, the games room, the private area. Everything is in terrible condition.
