Severe floods and landslides have hit central and southeastern Mexico, caused by Tropical Storms Priscilla and Raymond, leaving Veracruz, Puebla, and Hidalgo devastated. Thousands of homes were damaged, roads blocked, and over 40 people lost their lives. Rescue operations are underway as authorities work to restore power and aid affected communities. Here’s a look the devastation caused by the floods.
1 / 8Central and southeastern Mexico are facing catastrophic floods and landslides after days of relentless rain. Rivers overflowed, streets turned into torrents, and entire neighbourhoods were submerged, leaving behind a trail of destruction, loss of life, and displaced families. Authorities and rescue teams are working tirelessly to reach isolated communities, clear blocked roads, and provide support to those affected, the Associated Press (AP) reported. (Image: Reuters)
2 / 8Poza Rica Submerged Under Water: Residents in low-lying neighbourhoods of Poza Rica were caught off guard as the Cazones River overflowed, flooding streets with more than 12 feet (4 meters) of water and sweeping away cars, leaving the town in chaos at dawn on Friday, October 10. (Image: Reuters)
3 / 8Vehicles Tossed and Mangled: The floods carried cars into treetops, smashed vehicles together, and left some destroyed, creating shocking scenes of destruction across the affected areas. (Image: Reuters)
4 / 8High Death Toll Across States: Landslides and flooding claimed at least 41 lives in central and southeastern Mexico, with 16 deaths in Hidalgo, 9 in Puebla, and 15 in Veracruz, as authorities worked tirelessly to rescue missing residents. (Image: Reuters)
5 / 8Thousands of Homes Damaged or Destroyed: According to AP, more than 16,000 homes were damaged or destroyed across Veracruz and Puebla, while communities in Hidalgo faced widespread power outages affecting 150 localities, leaving residents homeless and without essential services. (Image: Reuters)
6 / 8Personal Tragedy and Loss: Many families faced heartbreaking losses; for instance, a Poza Rica resident discovered his uncle had drowned at home after being unable to evacuate in time, the AP reported. (Image: AP)
7 / 8Communities Left Isolated: Landslides and floodwaters blocked roads across Veracruz, leaving 42 communities cut off. Army and navy personnel were deployed to rescue stranded residents and provide essential support in the aftermath. (Image: Reuters)
8 / 8Extreme Weather Events to Blame: Authorities attributed the devastating rains and resulting floods to Tropical Storm Priscilla, formerly a hurricane, and Tropical Storm Raymond, both off Mexico’s western coast, showing the destructive power of these storms in central and southeastern Mexico. (Image: Reuters)
