At least 27 people have been confirmed dead and dozens more remain missing following severe flooding and landslides that tore through several parts of Mexico after days of heavy rainfall.
The storms, which hit late Thursday into Friday, caused rivers to overflow and unleashed torrents of mud and debris that destroyed homes, swept away cars, and damaged key infrastructure.
The state of Hidalgo was the worst affected, with 16 deaths reported and widespread destruction across towns and villages. Roads were left impassable, electricity lines were brought down, and thousands of residents were forced to flee their homes as fast-moving water surged through streets.
President Claudia Sheinbaum said the government had mobilised 5,400 emergency workers to assist stranded residents, clear debris, and deliver food and medical aid. “We are working to support the population, open roads and restore electrical service,” she wrote on social media.
More than 3,000 naval officers have also been deployed to carry out evacuations and support cleanup efforts in the affected regions.
In Puebla, authorities reported nine deaths and five missing persons, while in Veracruz, two fatalities were confirmed. Officials estimate that more than 80,000 people in Puebla alone have been impacted by the flooding.
Witnesses described the disaster as overwhelming. “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,” said José Cervantes, a café owner whose property was destroyed.