In brief
Mexican authorities are intensifying rescue efforts in the face of devastating floods caused by torrential rains, affecting over 150 locations. With at least 64 confirmed dead and 65 people still missing, President Claudia Sheinbaum has promised support for the recovery of affected communities. Residents share harrowing accounts of loss and destruction as search operations continue amidst damaged infrastructure.
Rescue workers in Mexico are searching for at least 65 people who are missing after torrential rains triggered flooding in 150 locations across five states.
At least 64 residents are confirmed dead, according to official figures updated by the government on Monday.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has promised help for the affected areas.
The heavy rains, caused by two tropical storms, triggered landslides and caused rivers to overflow, sweeping away entire homes as well as roads and cars.
María Salas, 49, lost five members of her family when their home collapsed in Huauchinango, a town in the mountains in the north of Puebla state. She told Agence France Press news agency that her own house had been swept away by a landslide: I can't get my belongings, I can't sleep there. I have nothing. The town is one of the few which is accessible within the disaster zone.
On Sunday, President Sheinbaum visited a shelter in Huauchinango and said that officials would inspect the damage the town suffered. Everyone will get help to rebuild their homes, she told those whose houses had been swept away or made uninhabitable.
An estimated 100 small communities remain cut off as the flooding has damaged power supplies and communication lines.
