Mexico City: Relentless torrential rains have plunged large parts of Mexico into chaos, leaving at least 64 people dead and 65 others missing, as floods and landslides continue to devastate communities across multiple states. Officials confirmed that days of heavy downpours, intensified by Tropical Storm Raymond, have unleashed catastrophic flooding, destroyed homes, and disrupted vital infrastructure.
The rainfall, described by meteorologists as some of the heaviest in recent years, began late last week and rapidly overwhelmed Mexico’s rivers and drainage systems. Low-lying towns were quickly inundated, while mountainous areas faced deadly landslides that buried roads and homes under tons of mud. Emergency teams have been working round-the-clock to rescue trapped residents, clear debris, and restore communication lines.
According to the National Civil Protection Agency, floodwaters have submerged vast tracts of farmland and forced thousands to flee their homes. Rescue operations remain difficult due to blocked roads and continued rainfall. Helicopters and boats have been deployed to reach isolated villages that remain cut off since the weekend.
Among the hardest-hit areas are the states of Veracruz and Hidalgo, where the death toll has been the highest. In Veracruz, 29 people were confirmed dead and 18 are still missing, while Hidalgo reported 21 fatalities and 43 people unaccounted for. Local authorities said many of the victims were swept away by surging river currents or trapped in landslides that struck during the night.
State officials have declared emergencies in several municipalities to speed up aid and access federal disaster funds. Temporary shelters have been set up in schools and community halls, offering refuge to those who lost their homes.
Electricity supply, which was disrupted across dozens of communities, has now been “largely restored,” according to Mexico’s energy authorities. However, many areas remain without potable water and reliable communication. Road damage has hindered the movement of relief materials, while rescue teams continue to search for the missing using drones and canine units.
Engineers have also been dispatched to assess the integrity of bridges and dams amid fears of further collapses if rains continue. Meteorological forecasts warn of possible new showers in central and southern Mexico in the coming days.
This disaster adds to a growing list of climate-related emergencies Mexico has faced in recent years from droughts and hurricanes to flash floods. Experts say the intensity and frequency of such extreme events highlight the country’s vulnerability to shifting climate patterns and insufficient urban planning.
Environmental analysts are urging the government to prioritize sustainable flood control systems, improve drainage infrastructure, and strengthen early warning mechanisms for rural areas that often face delayed alerts.
President Andrés Manuel López Obrador has expressed condolences to the victims’ families and pledged federal assistance to the affected regions. “We will rebuild stronger and ensure no community is left behind,” the president said during a televised address.
As rescue teams race against time to locate the missing, the tragedy has left Mexico in mourning and reminded the world once again of the escalating human cost of climate-induced disasters. The coming weeks will test the nation’s resilience as it navigates the long road to recovery amid shattered homes, grieving families, and scarred landscapes.