At least 44 people have been killed in widespread flooding and landslides sweeping across central and southeastern Mexico, officials confirmed Sunday, as the country grapples with the ongoing fallout from torrential rains triggered by two tropical weather systems.
The devastation has been fueled by the remnants of Hurricane Priscilla and Tropical Rainstorm Raymond, which have battered five Mexican states: Veracruz, Puebla, Hidalgo, Queretaro, and San Luis Potosí.
According to official government figures:
- 18 fatalities occurred in Veracruz,
- 16 in Hidalgo,
- 9 in Puebla, and
- 1 in Queretaro.
However, Mexico’s El Universal newspaper cited a higher toll of 48 deaths, and reported that dozens more remain missing as search and rescue efforts continue.
More than 320,000 people have lost electricity across affected regions, and at least 16,000 homes have sustained damage from floodwaters and mudslides. Local rivers have breached their banks in several areas, and officials warn that more landslides and flooding are likely as the rains persist.
President Claudia Sheinbaum announced the deployment of military forces to support emergency efforts, including evacuations, rescue missions, and humanitarian aid distribution.
“We will not leave anyone without support,” Sheinbaum stated in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
The armed forces released dramatic images showing residents being rescued on life rafts, homes submerged in thick mud, and soldiers wading through chest-high floodwaters to reach isolated communities.
Mexico is experiencing one of its wettest seasons in recent memory, with Mexico City registering its rainiest June in over 20 years.
Weather officials say the remnants of Tropical Rainstorm Raymond are expected to reach southern Baja California by Sunday night, bringing additional rainfall and wind gusts up to 45 km/h (28 mph).
Authorities urge residents in vulnerable areas to remain alert, as flood risks and ground instability remain high in the coming days.
