Severe flooding leaves 28 dead across central and southeastern Mexico

At least 28 fatalities have been confirmed due to flooding and landslides across central and southeastern Mexico on October 11, caused by several days of intense rainfall. Officials warned that the number of victims could rise as emergency services continue to reach isolated areas.

According to federal and state authorities, Hidalgo, Puebla, Veracruz, and Querétaro sustained the heaviest damage.

In Hidalgo, 16 fatalities were confirmed after hillside collapses and flash floods destroyed homes and severed power lines.

In Puebla, nine people died and 13 remain missing following multiple river overflows, while two fatalities were reported in Veracruz. Additional casualties were recorded in rural communities of Querétaro.

The Secretariat of National Defense (SEDENA) and the National Civil Protection System (SINAPROC) deployed thousands of soldiers and emergency personnel to support evacuations, restore access, and deliver relief supplies. Rescue units focused on clearing debris, reopening roads, and restoring power to cut-off regions.

The floods have caused widespread damage to homes, hospitals, and public infrastructure. Local rivers burst their banks after rainfall totals exceeded 250 mm (9.8 inches) in some locations within 48 hours, according to the National Meteorological Service (SMN). The SMN attributed the event to a stationary low-pressure system drawing moist air from the Gulf of Mexico.

The SMN warned that additional rainfall is likely through the weekend, maintaining a high risk of renewed flooding and landslides in saturated areas. Civil protection authorities urged residents to follow evacuation advisories and avoid crossing flooded roads or riverbanks.

Rishav Kothari

Rishav Kothari is Editor-in-Chief of The Watchers, where he runs the newsroom and covers earthquakes, volcanoes, severe weather and space weather.

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