Heavy rainfall trigger devastating floods in Mexico, at least 28 dead

Heavy rainfall in central and southeastern Mexico has unleashed floods and landslides that have claimed at least 28 lives, while damaging homes, infrastructure and public facilities across multiple states.

In Hidalgo state, 16 fatalities were confirmed. More than 1,000 homes, 59 hospitals/clinics, and 308 schools were damaged by landslides and overflowing rivers. Dozens of municipalities lost power, and road damage extended across nearly 1,000 kilometers. In Puebla, nine people died and 13 were reported missing. Officials estimate roughly 80,000 residents have been affected by flooding and landslides. In Veracruz, two deaths were recorded and about 5,000 homes were damaged. Nearly 900 people were evacuated. A child also died in Querétaro following a landslide triggered by swollen soils.

President Claudia Sheinbaum pledged federal support for infrastructure repair and humanitarian response. Efforts include restoring access to affected regions, reopening roads, and coordinating sheltering for displaced residents.

Additional heavy rainfall in coming days poses a risk of secondary landslides, sudden flooding, and slope reactivation, particularly in already destabilized areas.