Relentless heavy rainfall has triggered severe flooding and landslides across southeastern and central Mexico, leaving at least 64 people dead and 65 others missing, according to authorities on Monday. Thousands of residents have been rescued and relocated to safer areas as military-led emergency operations continue.
Laura Velázquez, head of Mexico’s National Civil Protection Agency, said the disaster has hit the states of Veracruz, Hidalgo, and Puebla the hardest. The death toll rose by 17 within just 12 hours, underscoring the worsening scale of the catastrophe.
Swollen rivers have inundated vast rural areas, while landslides have destroyed homes, bridges, and roads. President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed that thousands of soldiers, naval units, aircraft, and helicopters are taking part in ongoing rescue and relief operations.
More than 10,000 troops and emergency personnel have been deployed to deliver aid and conduct search-and-rescue missions. Temporary shelters have been opened for those left homeless. Government data shows that around 16,000 homes have been damaged and 55 municipalities severely affected by the disaster.
Over 300,000 people remain without electricity, as authorities rush to restore power and communication lines in the hardest-hit regions.
According to reports from Al Jazeera and CNN, Mexico’s meteorological agency has warned of further heavy rainfall in the coming days, which could complicate ongoing rescue and recovery efforts.