Oaxaca drenched by 3 months’ worth of rain in 2 days, Mexico

At least two people have died and around 6 000 people have been impacted in the region of Isthmus of Tehuantepec in Oaxaca, Mexico, after intense rains on Wednesday, June 16, 2021, caused flooding and landslides. The national meteorological service reported that more than 440 mm (17 inches) of rain fell in a 48 hour period, which is nearly thrice the average June rain of 173 mm (6.8 inches).

Heavy rainfall brought by an area of low pressure has caused flooding and landslides in Oaxaca, southern Mexico this week. 

In the region of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec alone, around 6 000 people were affected after the Los Perros River overflowed. According to local media, the situation worsened due to excess garbage that clogged the sewers of Juchitan, resulting in floods of up to 1 m (3 feet).

The Civil Protection, army, state police, firefighters, and Red Cross teams have evacuated roughly 400 people from three areas in Juchitan. Damages were reported in the municipality of Ixtepec, prompting the National Water Commission to maintain an alert for continuous rains. 

In Ocotlan de Morelos, two people died after being hit by lightning strikes. 

Mexico's meteorological service reported that more than 440 mm (17 inches) of rain fell in a 48 hour period to Wednesday, which led to flooding and landslides in many areas of the state. 

The amount of rain that fell was equivalent to nearly three times the June average, which is 173 mm (6.8 inches).

Landslides and floodwaters blocked numerous roads, with as many as 30 communities left isolated.

Julie Celestial

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