Mexico floods left at least 27 dead and more missing

At least 27 people are dead and others are missing, according to authorities, after floods in Mexico triggered landslides and swept away homes, vehicles and bridges.

Heavy rains on Thursday and Friday caused river banks to overflow. Hidalgo in eastern Mexico was one of the worst affected areas, with 16 deaths reported.

Thousands of homes were damaged or destroyed by fast-moving water pouring into the streets, carrying cars, while highways were blocked by debris and electricity was cut off.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said that the government has deployed 5,400 individuals to help local communities, pave roads and distribute aid.

She wrote on social media: “We are working to support residents, open roads, and restore electrical service.”

In addition, 3,300 Marines are assisting with evacuations and flood damage.

In Puebla, state Governor Alejandro Armenta said at least nine people had died while five others were reported missing. The state government said an estimated 80,000 people were affected by the weather in Puebla alone.

Two more people died in Veracruz.

“No one was prepared for this,” Jose Cervantes, a café owner in one of the affected areas, told Reuters news agency.

“The flood reached a height of one and a half metres. Everything was flooded, the dining room, the entire restaurant, the kitchen, the bathroom, the games room, the private area. Everything is in a very bad condition.”