An unnamed tropical depression has brought record-breaking rain to Mexico, killing at least 64 people and leaving 65 missing. The prolonged rain caused river overflow and landslides in many areas of the Gulf of Mexico coastal region and Central states.
On October 13 (local time), President Claudia Sheinbaum said the rainfall this time was far exceeding the forecast, occurring at the end of the rainy season when the ground and rivers were both saturated. According to Navy Minister Raymundo Morales, the phenomenon of intersection between hot and cold air masses on weak terrain has caused widespread flooding.
In Veracruz state, 29 people were killed and 18 are missing; while in Hidalgo, 21 people were killed and 43 are missing. Rescue forces have been urgently mobilized to evacuate residents, clear roads and provide necessities to isolated areas.
About 100,000 houses were affected, many bridges and roads were washed away, and mud covered many residential areas due to flooding. Power in five states has been interrupted but much has been restored. The authorities also warned of the risk of an outbreak of an epidemic caused by mosquitoes that transmit viruses such as dengue fever in the imprisonment waters.
The government of Mexico is coordinating with the Ministry of Finance to assess the damage and launch a reconstruction plan in the worst-hit localities.
