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-moving water turned streets into rivers, sweeping away cars and blocking highways with debris. Electricity outages have also been widespread.
Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum announced that the government deployed 5,400 personnel to assist affected communities, clear roads, and distribute aid. She stated on social media: We are working to support the population, open roads and restore electrical service. Additionally, 3,300 naval troops have been mobilized for evacuations and recovery operations.
The state of Puebla also reported nine fatalities and five missing individuals, affecting an estimated 80,000 residents. Veracruz reported two additional deaths.
Local business owners, like Jose Cervantes, expressed disbelief at the severity of the flooding, noting that it reached heights of one and a half meters in his restaurant, causing extensive damage.
