Deadly Floods and Landslides Devastate Mexico's Gulf Coast

Torrential rains across five Mexican states near the Gulf of Mexico have triggered deadly floods and landslides, leaving a trail of destruction and at least 64 people dead. The disaster has forced Mexican authorities to search for dozens of missing people and provide aid to thousands more. President Claudia Sheinbaum has estimated that roughly 100,000 homes were affected by the flooding and landslides, with many communities isolated and in need of food and water.

Key Takeaways:

• 64 people have been killed and 65 are missing across five affected states near the Gulf of Mexico.
• The government's eyes were mostly on the Pacific, where two storms had formed off western Mexico last week, but intense and localized downpours caused the most destruction in central and eastern parts of the country.
• Some towns saw around 20 inches of rain dumped in just four days, government figures show, with torrential rains emerging as a risk for wide areas of the country.
• Research suggests that warm air holds more moisture than cool air, but it's unclear whether climate change was directly linked to the heavy rains.
• President Sheinbaum vowed to provide quick relief to the victims, with $867 million still allocated to disaster relief this year.
• In some of the hardest hit places, desperation has been growing, with residents expressing frustration and anger at the lack of aid and support.
• The Mexican Army, Air Force, and Navy have played an expanding role in disaster relief efforts, but results have received mixed reviews.

Statistics:

• At least 64 people have been killed in the floods and landslides.
• 65 people are missing.
• Roughly 100,000 homes were affected by the flooding and landslides.
• 20 inches of rain was dumped in some towns in just four days.
• More than 7,300 Army soldiers and National Guard members have been deployed to help rescue and evacuate people.
• Over a quarter million people were left without electricity due to the power supply interruption.

Sources:

• Associated Press
• Felix Marquez/Associated Press
• Annie Correal contributed reporting