A week after the floods, central Mexico still reels from the devastation
Key Takeaways
- The death toll from recent torrential rains and floods in central and eastern Mexico has reached 66, with 75 people missing and nearly 200 communities isolated.
- Recovery efforts are severely hampered by extensive debris, submerged streets (up to 3 feet of water plus 6 feet of rubbish), and persistent cloud cover hindering helicopter access in mountainous regions.
- Residents are expressing severe distress over the conditions and fear disease, citing uncollected decomposing bodies near their homes.
- While officials blame converging weather systems, some residents criticize the government for insufficient early evacuation warnings.
- President Claudia Sheinbaum has committed to reviewing river maintenance and emergency alert protocols in light of the disaster.
The aftermath of last week's torrential rains and floods in central and eastern Mexico continues to unfold, with the official death toll rising to 66 and 75 people reported missing, leaving nearly 200 communities isolated, especially in Hidalgo. In the oil-producing city of Poza Rica, streets remain submerged under meters of water, mud, and debris, creating a 'horrible' scene according to residents like Ana Luz Saucedo, who also fears disease due to an uncollected decomposing body nearby. The disaster was caused by multiple converging weather systems hitting saturated ground, but some residents feel official warnings were inadequate, claiming authorities only alerted them after rivers began overflowing. In response, President Claudia Sheinbaum acknowledged the need to review river maintenance and emergency protocols, including alert mechanisms, following the crisis. Military, naval, and civilian teams, supported by volunteers distributing aid like homemade tamales, are currently working to clear roads, restore power, and monitor dams operating at maximum capacity.
