Tragic Flooding in Mexico Claims Lives and Causes Extensive Damage

Severe rainfall in the central and southeastern regions of Mexico has resulted in devastating floods, leading to landslides and destruction of infrastructure, and tragically, at least 22 deaths have been reported as of Friday.

The central state of Hidalgo is among the most severely impacted, with state Interior Secretary Guillermo Olivares Reyna reporting 16 fatalities.

Roughly 1,000 houses, 59 healthcare facilities, and 308 educational institutions in Hidalgo have sustained damage due to landslides and overflowing rivers. Electricity outages affected 17 out of the state's 84 municipalities.

In the adjacent state of Puebla, the governor, Alejandro Armenta, reported that three lives were lost and 13 individuals remain missing. He called upon federal resources to aid 15 residents—including children—trapped on rooftops. The estimated number of affected residents rises to 80,000, with a gas pipeline compromised due to a landslide.

In Veracruz, a state on the Gulf Coast, the floods claimed the lives of two individuals, including a police officer, according to Governor Rocío Nahle. The city of Poza Rica faced severe flooding from river overflow, prompting authorities to cut power for safety reasons.

Additionally, authorities in Queretaro, a central state, confirmed the death of a child, resulting from a landslide.