Death Toll Rises to 64 in East-Central Mexico Amid Torrential Rains
Severe floods and landslides caused by torrential rains in east-central Mexico have resulted in a rising death toll, with authorities reporting 64 fatalities as of Monday. The scale of destruction is focusing on five states, with Veracruz, Hidalgo, Puebla, and Querétaro affected. Mexico's Civil Protection agency has confirmed the number of casualties, and a promise of a rapid government response has been made.
Key Takeaways:
- The death toll from last week's torrential rains in east-central Mexico has reached 64, with 65 people still missing.
- Search operations have expanded to communities cut off by landslides, and residents in low-lying areas have begun cleaning out flooded ground floors.
- Heavy rainfall caused rivers to overflow, affecting five states: Veracruz, Hidalgo, Puebla, Querétaro, and an unspecified central state.
- In Veracruz, at least 29 people have been killed, while 21 have died in Hidalgo, and 13 in Puebla.
- In Querétaro, a child was killed in a landslide.
- The rains in Veracruz state saw 21 inches (54 centimeters) of rainfall from October 6 to 10, according to the federal government.
Statistics:
- Death toll: 64 (as of Monday)
- Number of people missing: 65
- Number of states affected: 5 (Veracruz, Hidalgo, Puebla, Querétaro, and an unspecified central state)
- Confirmed fatalities by state:
+ Veracruz: 29
+ Hidalgo: 21
+ Puebla: 13
+ Querétaro: 1 (child)
- Total rainfall reported in Veracruz: 21 inches (54 centimeters) over 4 days (October 6-10)
Sources:
- AP news wire
- President Claudia Sheinbaum's daily press briefing
- Mexico's Civil Protection agency
- The federal government's official reports on rainfall totals