Deadly Floods Devastate Mexico as Heavy Rains Leave 28 Dead and Thousands Displaced
Severe storms and flash floods have caused catastrophic damage across Mexico, leaving at least 28 people dead and dozens missing as torrential rain continues to batter large parts of the country. Authorities warn that the situation may worsen, with rainfall expected to continue through Sunday.
Nationwide Devastation from Relentless Rainfall
According to Mexico’s National Civil Defence Coordinator Laura Velázquez, intense rainfall has been recorded in 31 of the country’s 32 states, triggering landslides, road collapses, and power outages that have plunged several towns into darkness. The heaviest destruction has been reported in Hidalgo, Veracruz, Puebla, Querétaro, and San Luis Potosí — all regions struggling to cope with the magnitude of the disaster.
In the central state of Hidalgo, Interior Secretary Guillermo Olivares Reyna confirmed 16 fatalities, describing the destruction as “unprecedented.” Over 1,000 homes, 59 hospitals and clinics, and 308 schools have been damaged by floods and landslides caused by overflowing rivers. Emergency teams continue to search for missing residents trapped under debris or swept away by raging waters.
Puebla and Veracruz Among the Worst Hit
Neighboring Puebla state has also suffered severe losses, with nine deaths and 13 people reported missing. Local officials say more than 80,000 residents have been affected, while a gas pipeline rupture triggered by a landslide has raised additional safety concerns.
In Veracruz, along Mexico’s Gulf Coast, two people — including a police officer — were killed as floods damaged roughly 5,000 homes. The Mexican Navy has evacuated nearly 900 residents to temporary shelters and continues to deliver emergency aid.
Meanwhile, in Querétaro, a child tragically lost their life after being caught in a landslide. Roads in several municipalities have collapsed, isolating entire communities and delaying rescue operations.
Infrastructure Collapse and Widespread Power Outages
The National Power Commission reported that the floods have caused power outages affecting more than 320,000 users, while nearly 1,000 kilometers (621 miles) of roads across six states have been destroyed or severely damaged. Videos shared on social media show washed-out highways, overturned vehicles, and neighborhoods submerged under muddy water.
Civil defence teams, soldiers, and local firefighters are working around the clock to restore basic services and reopen blocked roads.
Massive Emergency Response Underway
In response to the escalating crisis, Mexico’s Secretariat of the Navy (SEMAR) has deployed 300 personnel across the hardest-hit states — Puebla, Veracruz, and San Luis Potosí. The navy has mobilized 18 vessels, six helicopters, three water purification plants, three aircraft, three mobile kitchens, and 4,000 food baskets for immediate distribution to affected communities.
“We are working to support the population, open roads, and restore electricity as quickly as possible,” said President Claudia Sheinbaum, who met with local officials to assess the damage. She also shared photos of emergency workers wading knee-deep through flooded streets to deliver food and medical supplies.
More than 8,700 military personnel have now been deployed nationwide to assist with evacuations, rescue operations, and cleanup efforts. Authorities are urging residents in flood-prone areas to seek shelter and avoid crossing rivers or roads that may collapse under pressure.
A Year of Record Rainfall for Mexico
Meteorologists note that 2025 has brought unusually heavy rainfall across much of Mexico, setting a new precipitation record in Mexico City earlier this year. Experts attribute this to shifting weather patterns linked to La Niña, a recurring Pacific Ocean phenomenon that influences global climate.
“La Niña is back and could continue to cause extreme weather — from floods to droughts — in different parts of the world,” said meteorologist Rafael Gómez. While the Atlantic hurricane season is nearing its end, La Niña’s cooling effects may still intensify storms in the Pacific and trigger further rainfall across Mexico.
Tropical Storm Raymond Adds to the Crisis
Compounding the country’s misery, Tropical Storm Raymond is currently hovering off Mexico’s Pacific coast, dumping heavy rains as it moves northward. The U.S. National Hurricane Center confirmed that Raymond formed on Thursday, making it the third major storm off western Mexico this week — following Tropical Storm Priscilla and post-tropical cyclone Octave.
Meteorologists warn that Raymond could make landfall by Sunday, bringing more torrential rain, flash floods, and landslides to already devastated regions. Emergency alerts have been issued in several coastal states, and residents are being urged to prepare for potential evacuations.
Government Faces Growing Pressure
As the humanitarian crisis unfolds, President Sheinbaum’s administration faces mounting pressure to respond effectively. Critics say government preparedness has been inadequate, pointing to the country’s aging drainage systems and insufficient flood control infrastructure.
However, officials stress that the scale of this disaster is unprecedented. “No one could have predicted this level of destruction,” said a spokesperson for Mexico’s Civil Protection Agency. “Our priority right now is saving lives and restoring essential services.”
Global Implications and Long-Term Recovery
Environmental experts warn that the increasing frequency of extreme weather events in Mexico and across Latin America underscores the urgent need for climate resilience planning. The combination of La Niña’s effects, rising sea temperatures, and deforestation is likely to intensify flooding and landslides in years to come.
For now, Mexico is focused on recovery. Thousands remain displaced, shelters are reaching capacity, and the death toll continues to rise as rescue teams search through the rubble. Officials fear that with more rain expected through the weekend, the number of casualties may increase further.