Mexico is grappling with a catastrophic flood crisis as torrential rains have claimed at least 37 lives and caused widespread destruction across the nation. The federal government reported on Saturday that intense rainfall has affected 31 out of 32 states, leading to overflowing rivers, submerged villages, landslides, and collapsed infrastructure. The central state of Hidalgo has borne the brunt of the disaster, with 22 fatalities, 1,000 damaged homes, and 90 communities cut off from rescue operations. Neighboring Puebla state has recorded nine deaths, while Veracruz and Queretaro have reported five and one fatality, respectively. Over 80,000 individuals in Puebla alone have been impacted by the extreme weather. President Claudia Sheinbaum announced on X that thousands of troops, alongside boats, planes, and helicopters, have been mobilized to assist in rescue and recovery efforts. More than 5,400 military personnel have been deployed to distribute aid and restore essential services. Shelters have been established to accommodate those displaced by the floods. The Sierra Madre Oriental mountain range, home to numerous small communities, has emerged as the epicenter of the disaster, with many areas rendered inaccessible due to landslides. Meteorologist Isidro Cano attributed the heavy rainfall to a seasonal shift and cloud formation driven by warm, humid air from the Gulf of Mexico, compounded by a cold front from the north. Authorities are also monitoring Tropical Storm Raymond and the remnants of Hurricane Priscilla, which have caused additional damage in western states. Raymond is expected to weaken to a tropical depression by Sunday as it approaches southern Baja California.
