Torrential Rains Devastate Mexico: 64 Dead, 65 Missing

MEXICO CITY: At least 64 people have died and 65 remain missing following days of torrential rains that triggered deadly floods and landslides across Mexico’s Gulf Coast and central regions, officials confirmed on Monday.

The severe weather was caused by an unnamed tropical depression that struck late in the rainy season, overwhelming rivers and destabilizing rain-soaked mountains. The storm took forecasters by surprise, who were monitoring tropical systems and hurricanes forming on the Pacific coast.

“This intense rain was not expected to be of such magnitude,” said President Claudia Sheinbaum in a media briefing.

Admiral Raymundo Morales, Mexico’s Navy Secretary, explained that the flooding resulted from the collision of warm and cold air masses over already saturated rivers, alongside weakened mountainous terrain.

National Civil Protection Coordinator Laura Velazquez reported that the states of Hidalgo and Veracruz suffered the worst devastation. Veracruz recorded 29 deaths and 18 missing persons, while Hidalgo reported 21 fatalities and 43 missing.

Read more: Sindh Govt Actively Providing Relief Amid Flood Emergency: Sharjeel Inam Memon

The storm left a trail of destruction, damaging critical infrastructure including bridges and roads, while streets were turned into rivers of mud. Over 100,000 homes were affected, according to President Sheinbaum, who plans to visit some of the worst-hit areas and coordinate with the finance ministry on rebuilding efforts.

Massive Emergency Response Underway

Thousands of emergency personnel have been deployed for rescue, evacuation, and clean-up operations. Shocking footage showed emergency responders wading through chest-high waters to deliver aid and evacuate stranded residents.

Power outages were reported across five states, though most electricity has now been restored. Authorities are also prioritizing public health concerns, particularly the containment of mosquito-borne diseases like dengue, which thrive in stagnant water.

The disaster has raised concerns about climate resilience and preparedness, as Mexico continues to face extreme weather patterns in multiple regions simultaneously.