Mexico floods leave 64 dead, 65 missing as heavy rains batter five states

At least 64 people have died and 65 remain missing in Mexico following torrential rains that have inundated five states, leaving an estimated 100,000 homes affected and over 42,000 people without electricity. The severe weather, which struck Veracruz, Puebla, Hidalgo, San Luis Potosí, and Querétaro between Monday and Thursday, has caused widespread flooding, landslides, and road closures.

Veracruz has emerged as the hardest-hit state, with 29 fatalities reported. Hidalgo follows with 21 deaths, Puebla with 13, and Querétaro with one. Officials acknowledged that while some rainfall had been anticipated, the intensity and volume of the precipitation surpassed all forecasts.

President Claudia Sheinbaum has pledged that the government will provide all necessary resources for victim assistance and the reconstruction of affected areas. She noted that 19 billion pesos (approximately $1.1 billion USD) were allocated this year for natural disaster response, with around 3 billion pesos (approximately $180 million USD) having been utilized.

The heavy rainfall, described as the most abundant of the year by Civil Protection, has led to significant disruptions. There are 132 road closures across the five affected states, with only two impacting federal highways. In Veracruz, rescue and assistance efforts are primarily concentrated in the municipalities of Álamo and Poza Rica, where entire communities remain isolated.

Both the Army and the Navy have deployed emergency operations. The Secretariat of National Defense has established three air bridges to distribute essential supplies to remote communities in Veracruz, Puebla, and Hidalgo. Meanwhile, the Secretariat of Welfare has initiated a census to document material losses and provide support to those affected.

Ariadna Montiel, head of the Secretariat of Welfare, explained that the census, which began on Monday, involves 600 brigades comprising approximately 3,000 individuals who will access even hard-to-reach areas on foot. The data collected will include personal information of affected individuals, family size, and damages to homes, basic services, furniture, and agricultural and livestock activities. This information will be used by President Sheinbaum to determine the specific forms of aid to be provided.

President Sheinbaum visited Veracruz on Sunday and faced demands from affected residents concerning the missing persons. Videos circulating on social media showed the president attempting to calm and engage with the distressed populace. She is scheduled to travel to Hidalgo and Querétaro on Monday.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation, with ongoing alerts for potential new rainfall, although no severe events are currently forecasted. Governors from the five affected states participated in a videoconference to provide updates, collectively acknowledging the persistent isolation of some communities and the ongoing rescue efforts.

In response to the crisis, a nationwide effort to collect donations of food, water, and essential items has been organized. Numerous collection centers have been established across the country, including in Mexico City, Veracruz, and Puerto Vallarta, in coordination with universities, public agencies, and social organizations.