At least 27 people have died and several others are missing in Mexico after floods triggered mudslides and swept away homes, cars and bridges, authorities said.
Heavy rain on Thursday and Friday caused river banks to burst. Hidalgo, in eastern Mexico, was one of the hardest-hit regions, with 16 deaths reported.
Thousands of homes were damaged or destroyed as fast-moving water rushed into the streets and carried away cars, highways were clogged with debris and electricity was cut off.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said the government had deployed 5,400 people to help communities, clear roads and provide relief supplies.
“We are working to support the population, open roads and restore electric service,” she wrote on social media.
In addition, 3,300 Navy personnel are assisting with flood damage recovery and evacuation activities.
In Puebla, Governor Alejandro Armenta said “at least nine people have died and five are missing.” In Puebla alone, about 80,000 people were affected by the weather, the state said.
Two additional deaths were reported in Veracruz.
“No one was prepared for this,” Jose Cervantes, who runs a coffee shop in one of the affected areas, told Reuters.
“The flood level reached 1.5 metres. Everything was flooded – the restaurant, the entire restaurant, the kitchen, bathrooms, games room, private spaces. Everything is in terrible condition.”
