Death toll torrential rains Mexico rises United States Ov… — Death Toll from Torrential Rains in Mexico Climbs to 64
The death toll from torrential rains and flooding across five states in Mexico has risen to 64, with 65 people still missing, according to authorities. The intense rainfall, attributed to the remnants of Hurricane Pricilla and Tropical Storm Raymond, has caused widespread damage, leaving approximately 100,000 homes affected and numerous communities cut off. Rescue efforts are underway, but access to some areas remains challenging.
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Devastation in Poza Rica and Surrounding Areas
Poza Rica, an oil town located approximately 170 miles (275 kilometers) northeast of Mexico City, is among the hardest-hit areas. Residents returning to their homes are facing not only flood damage but also the added challenge of oil residue coating walls and belongings. Lilia Ramírez, a resident of Poza Rica, described how floodwaters carried oil into her home, leaving black streaks on her walls. The cleanup efforts are further complicated by thick oil deposits on trees, roofs, and vehicles swept away by the floodwaters.
Roberto Olvera, another resident of Poza Rica, mentioned that a siren from a nearby Pemex facility alerted them to the danger. He recounted the harrowing experience, stating that many people in the neighborhood stayed behind and perished. While Pemex has stated that they have no reports of an oil spill in the area, the presence of oil residue remains a significant concern for residents and cleanup crews. Parts of Veracruz state received approximately 24.7 inches (62.7 centimeters) of rain between October 6th and 9th.
Government Response and Rescue Efforts
The Mexican government has deployed approximately 10,000 troops in addition to civilian rescue teams to assist in the affected areas. Helicopters are being used to transport food and water to the roughly 200 communities that remain cut off by ground, as well as to evacuate the sick and injured. President Claudia Sheinbaum has assured the public that sufficient resources are being allocated to the emergency response, stating, “There are sufficient resources, this won’t be skimped on … because we’re still in the emergency period.”
Despite the ongoing rescue efforts, Sheinbaum acknowledged that it could take days to establish access to some of the most remote areas. The government is prioritizing the delivery of essential supplies, such as food and water, to those in need. Sheinbaum also defended the government’s warning systems, stating that it would have been difficult to have had much advance knowledge of the situation, differentiating it from hurricane warnings.
Regional Impact and Casualties
The torrential rains have impacted multiple states across Mexico. According to Mexico’s Civil Protection agency, Veracruz state on the Gulf Coast has reported 29 deaths, while Hidalgo state, north of Mexico City, has reported 21 deaths. At least 13 people have died in Puebla, east of Mexico City. Earlier, in the central state of Querétaro, a child died in a landslide. The heavy rains have been attributed to two tropical systems that formed off the western coast of Mexico, Hurricane Pricilla and Tropical Storm Raymond, both of which have since dissipated.
Challenges and Long-Term Recovery
The aftermath of the torrential rains presents numerous challenges, including the cleanup of mud, debris, and oil residue, as well as the restoration of damaged infrastructure. The long-term recovery process will require significant resources and coordination between government agencies, local communities, and aid organizations. The psychological impact on affected residents, who have lost their homes and loved ones, will also need to be addressed. The need for improved early warning systems and infrastructure resilience to extreme weather events is also highlighted by this disaster.
The devastation caused by the torrential rains in Mexico underscores the vulnerability of communities to extreme weather events. As rescue and recovery efforts continue, the focus will gradually shift towards rebuilding and strengthening infrastructure to mitigate the impact of future disasters. The resilience and solidarity of the Mexican people will be crucial in overcoming these challenges and ensuring a sustainable recovery for the affected regions.
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