Key Takeaways
- 44 fatalities across five Mexican states
- 16,000 homes damaged with widespread power outages
- Tropical storms Priscilla and Raymond triggered devastating floods and landslides
At least 44 people have died in Mexico as tropical storms Priscilla and Raymond unleashed catastrophic flooding and landslides across multiple states. The government confirmed the death toll on Sunday after days of relentless rainfall submerged towns and triggered mass evacuations.
State-by-State Death Toll
According to official reports, Veracruz recorded 18 deaths, Hidalgo had 16 fatalities, Puebla reported 9 deaths, and Querétaro confirmed one casualty. President Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration is coordinating emergency response efforts across 139 affected towns.
Unprecedented Rainfall and Damage
Veracruz, one of the hardest-hit regions, received approximately 540 millimetres (over 21 inches) of rain between October 6 and 9. As floodwaters receded by Saturday, scenes of devastation emerged—including cars stranded in treetops and a dead horse lodged inside a pickup truck.
Massive Rescue Operations
Thousands of soldiers worked to clear blocked roads and rescue missing persons as the death toll surged sharply. Mexican military photos showed soldiers evacuating residents in life rafts, homes swamped with mud, and rescue teams wading through waist-deep water in submerged towns.
“We continue with attention to the emergency in Veracruz, Hidalgo, Puebla, Queretaro, and San Luis PotosÃ, in coordination with the governor and the governors, as well as various federal authorities. The National Emergency Committee is in permanent session,” President Sheinbaum stated on X.
Widespread Infrastructure Damage
Across Veracruz’s 55 municipalities, 16,000 homes suffered damage. In Querétaro, a child died after being caught in a landslide. Nationwide, over 320,000 users experienced power outages caused by the severe weather conditions.
Authorities confirmed that the deadly downpours resulted from Tropical Storm Priscilla (formerly a hurricane) and Tropical Storm Raymond, both located off Mexico’s western coast.
