Heavy Rains and Flooding Devastate Mexico, Killing Multiple People

Severe rainfall linked to Post-Tropical Cyclone Priscilla and Tropical Storm Raymond has triggered deadly flooding and landslides across central and eastern Mexico, leaving at least 44 people dead and dozens more missing, officials said on Saturday.

According to Mexico’s civil protection agency, fatalities have been reported in four states: 16 in Hidalgo, nine in Puebla, 15 in Veracruz, and one in Querétaro. Another 27 people remain unaccounted for as rescue teams continue operations in areas cut off by the storms.

The heaviest rainfall was recorded in Veracruz, where more than 21 inches fell between Monday and Thursday. The deluge inundated communities, damaged roads and bridges, and left thousands of homes uninhabitable. Authorities said more than 16,000 homes were affected in Veracruz alone.

President Claudia Sheinbaum stated that the federal government is working to restore power and reopen blocked roads, noting that more than 320,000 users lost electricity due to the storms. She said the military and emergency services have mobilized thousands of troops to carry out rescues and clear debris.

The Navy reported deploying 3,300 personnel and assisting in more than 900 evacuations. In total, over 5,400 members of the Army, Air Force, and National Guard have been activated for disaster response.

In Hidalgo, Governor Julio Menchaca suspended all classes as heavy rains caused severe flooding and landslides across the state. Authorities said at least 1,000 homes, 308 schools, and 59 hospitals were damaged. Seventeen municipalities remain without power, and around 90 communities have lost communication.

Photos released by state officials show roads buried under mud and rock slides, with emergency workers attempting to reopen key routes. One local landmark, an LDS chapel, was reported to be submerged under floodwaters as rivers overflowed their banks.

The same weather system is expected to bring additional rainfall through the weekend, with forecasters warning of continued risk of flash floods and landslides — both in Mexico and parts of the U.S. Southwest.

Authorities continue to urge residents in affected regions to remain alert and follow evacuation orders as cleanup and rescue efforts intensify.