At least 27 people have died and others are missing, according to authorities, after floods in Mexico triggered landslides and swept away homes, vehicles, and bridges.
Heavy rainfall on Thursday and Friday caused rivers to burst their banks, with Hidalgo in east Mexico being one of the worst affected areas, reporting 16 deaths.
Thousands of houses have been damaged or destroyed as fast-running water careered down streets, carrying cars, while highways were blocked with debris and electricity was cut off.
Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum stated that the government has deployed 5,400 personnel to assist communities, clear roads, and distribute aid. She expressed on social media: We are working to support the population, open roads, and restore electrical service.
Additionally, 3,300 naval troops have joined the effort to evacuate residents and clean up the devastation.
In Puebla, state governor Alejandro Armenta noted at least nine fatalities, with five more individuals reported missing. An estimated 80,000 people have been affected by the weather in Puebla alone.
Moreover, two additional deaths were confirmed in Veracruz.
Local establishments, including a coffee shop owned by Jose Cervantes, reported extensive damages. No one was prepared for this, Cervantes lamented, describing how floodwaters reached heights of one and a half meters, flooding every area of his business.
The situation remains critical as authorities continue search and rescue operations amidst the ongoing recovery efforts.
