Mexico Floods: Death Toll Rises to 64 as Search Efforts Expand Amid Devastation
POZA RICA, Mexico — The number of confirmed deaths from torrential rains and catastrophic flooding across central and southeastern Mexico climbed to 64 on Monday, as emergency teams worked to reach remote communities still cut off by landslides and collapsed infrastructure.
Civil Defense Coordinator Laura Velázquez Alzúa announced the updated toll during President Claudia Sheinbaum’s daily press briefing, adding that 65 people remain missing in some of the country’s hardest-hit areas.
“This is an ongoing emergency,” President Sheinbaum said. “We will not withhold any resources. Our priority is reaching every affected community as quickly as possible.”
Widespread Devastation Across Five States
Over the past week, relentless rains triggered massive flooding and landslides, toppling bridges, submerging towns, and isolating dozens of municipalities across at least five Mexican states.
- Veracruz, a Gulf Coast state, has recorded the highest number of casualties, with 29 confirmed deaths.
- In Hidalgo, north of the capital, 21 people were reported dead.
- The neighboring state of Puebla confirmed 13 deaths.
- Querétaro, further inland, also reported one fatality — a child — in an earlier incident.
Initial assessments indicate over 100,000 homes have been affected, with many structures along riverbanks either severely damaged or completely swept away.
Poza Rica: A Town Caught Off Guard
In Poza Rica, an oil-producing city roughly 275 kilometers northeast of Mexico City, the Cazones River overflowed dramatically in the early hours of Friday morning. Locals described waking up to an unexpected roar, only to see floodwaters surging through their neighborhoods.
“The sound of cars crashing into each other was louder than anything else,” said one resident. “It wasn’t rain that woke us—it was the chaos outside.”
Water levels in some areas reached over 12 feet (4 meters), inundating homes and displacing hundreds.
Access Still Blocked to Dozens of Communities
At least 80 communities in northern Veracruz remain inaccessible by road, forcing the military and emergency crews to rely on airlifts to deliver food, clean water, and medical supplies.
“It may take days to restore access,” Sheinbaum said, emphasizing the logistical challenges. “We’re coordinating multiple flights daily to reach people who are completely cut off.”
The president toured devastated areas over the weekend, pledging a rapid expansion of relief efforts and promising financial support for those who lost homes or businesses.
National Emergency Response Intensifies
More than 5,000 military personnel, civil protection units, and local volunteers have been mobilized for ongoing rescue and recovery operations. Drones and helicopters are being used to scan hard-to-reach areas, while engineers assess risks of further landslides.
Weather officials have warned that more rain is expected in the coming days, raising fears of additional flooding in already vulnerable zones.
Despite the damage, government officials say the coordinated response has prevented even greater loss of life, and efforts will continue around the clock until all missing persons are accounted for.
🇲🇽 National Mourning and Rebuilding Ahead
As Mexico grapples with the scale of this disaster, authorities are urging residents to stay alert and follow evacuation orders where necessary.
“This is a national tragedy,” said Velázquez Alzúa. “But it is also a moment where we see the strength of our communities. We will rebuild — together.”
