Mexico City: Central and eastern Mexico continue to recover from devastating floods and landslides triggered by a rare alignment of multiple weather systems, including two tropical storms and shifting weather fronts. Over 66 lives have been lost, and at least 75 people remain missing as rescue operations press on in the hardest-hit states of Veracruz, Hidalgo, Puebla, Querétaro, and San Luis Potosí.

More than 100,000 homes are damaged or destroyed, and around 300 communities stay isolated due to blocked roads and landslides, especially in mountainous regions.

Helicopters and ground teams face challenges reaching some areas because of persistent cloud cover and unstable terrain. The government and volunteer groups have been tirelessly distributing food, water, and medical supplies, while fumigation efforts seek to prevent mosquito-borne disease outbreaks in flooded zones.

Criticism has grown about the timing of emergency warnings, with residents noting they arrived too late to allow for proper evacuation. President Claudia Sheinbaum has announced a review of current alert and emergency response systems once the immediate crisis phase ends, aiming to improve preparedness for future events. Power restoration and infrastructure repair are underway, with authorities prioritizing reopening roads and monitoring dams now at full capacity. The resilience of affected communities and ongoing coordinated efforts remain crucial as Mexico confronts the enormity of rebuilding after one of its worst recent natural disasters.

This disaster underscores the unpredictable and severe impact of climate-related weather extremes on vulnerable populations and infrastructure in Mexico.