By Abdullahi Lukman
At least 23 people have died in Mexico following a week of intense rainfall that affected nearly the entire country, according to civil defence authorities.
Heavy rains were reported in 31 of Mexico’s 32 states, with the worst-hit regions including Hidalgo, Veracruz, Querétaro, and San Luis Potosí. In Hidalgo state alone, 16 people died and over 1,000 homes were damaged.
Puebla reported five deaths, while one child died in Veracruz and a police officer was killed in Querétaro. Eleven people remain missing.
National Civil Defence Coordinator Laura Velázquez said the rains triggered landslides, river overflows, and road collapses across multiple states.
President Claudia Sheinbaum said federal and local officials are working to restore power, reopen roads, and assist affected communities.
Over 5,400 military personnel were deployed to deliver aid, along with rescue equipment and vehicles.
Emergency shelters have also been opened for displaced residents.
Mexico has seen unusually severe rainfall in 2025, with Mexico City recording its highest rainfall levels on record.
Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Raymond continues to bring heavy rains from the Pacific coast.
The storm has already caused damage in Chiapas, Guerrero, Oaxaca, and Michoacán, and was expected to reach southern Baja California over the weekend, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center.