At least 44 people have been killed and 27 remain missing after two tropical storms — Priscilla and Raymond — triggered severe flooding and landslides across Mexico. Authorities fear the death toll could rise further as rescue operations continue.
According to a statement released on Sunday (October 12) by Mexico’s National Disaster Management Office, five states have been severely affected, with Veracruz suffering the most damage. Eighteen bodies were recovered there, while Hidalgo reported 16 deaths. In Puebla and Querétaro, authorities recovered nine and one bodies respectively.
Officials said heavy rainfall and strong winds caused landslides, uprooted trees, and brought down power lines and houses, leaving many areas cut off.
The storms brought torrential rain between October 6 and 9, with the Veracruz region recording 540 millimeters (over 21 inches) of rainfall in just three days.
Although rainfall began to ease on October 9, widespread destruction continued. Military and national rescue teams have been deployed to assist in recovery efforts.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said on social media platform X that coordinated efforts between federal and state governments are underway to support victims. “No one will be left behind,” she pledged.
Reports from Reuters and AFP indicate that the storms destroyed more than 16,000 homes in 55 cities, leaving over 320,000 people without electricity.
Sources: Reuters, AFP
