Torrential rains and flooding have devastated parts of Mexico, killing at least 64 people and leaving another 65 missing, authorities confirmed on Monday. The disaster followed the formation of an unexpected tropical depression that struck several regions already saturated by months of heavy rainfall.
A Deadly Storm Caught Officials Off Guard
The storm hit near the end of the rainy season, overwhelming rivers and hillsides across the Gulf Coast and central states. Forecasters had been focused on tropical storms and two hurricanes forming on the Pacific side when the unnamed depression intensified.
“This rain was not expected to reach such magnitude,” President Claudia Sheinbaum said during a press briefing. According to Navy Secretary Admiral Raymundo Morales, the flooding was caused by the convergence of warm and cold air fronts over terrain already weakened by persistent rainfall.
Government figures show that around 100,000 homes were damaged or destroyed. Power outages affected five states but have since been mostly restored. Sheinbaum said she would meet with the finance ministry to coordinate rebuilding efforts and planned to visit the hardest-hit areas.
The worst destruction occurred in the states of Veracruz and Hidalgo. Laura Velázquez, head of Mexico’s National Civil Protection agency, reported 29 deaths and 18 people missing in Veracruz, and 21 deaths with 43 missing in Hidalgo.
The rains washed away roads and bridges, leaving towns covered in thick mud. Emergency crews used boats and heavy machinery to rescue stranded residents and deliver food and water to isolated communities. Thousands of personnel have been deployed to evacuate people, clear debris, and monitor flood zones.
Authorities also warned of possible outbreaks of mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue, which thrive in stagnant water left behind by floods.
Although electricity has been restored to most towns, the scale of the destruction continues to challenge Mexico’s emergency response teams. As cleanup operations expand, officials say the priority now is to prevent further casualties and contain public health risks in the days ahead.