"Deadly floods claim 23 lives in Mexico as storms move northward"

At least 23 people have died in Mexico following a week of severe rainfall, officials confirmed.

Government reports on Friday indicated heavy downpours in 31 of the country’s 32 states, with the most significant impact in Veracruz in the east, Queretaro and Hidalgo in the center, and San Luis Potosi in the north-central region.

In Hidalgo, 16 fatalities were recorded, and around 1,000 homes were damaged. Puebla state reported five deaths, with 11 individuals still missing.

A child lost their life in Veracruz, and a police officer died in Queretaro.

Laura Velázquez, overseeing emergency response efforts, noted landslides, river overflows, and road collapses in the affected regions.

Mexico’s leader, Claudia Sheinbaum, stated after discussions with local officials and her cabinet that authorities were focused on assisting residents, clearing blocked roads, and restoring electricity.

Military personnel were dispatched to deliver supplies to flooded areas, with over 5,400 troops deployed alongside rescue equipment and vehicles.

Temporary housing was provided for those forced to evacuate.

This year, Mexico has experienced unusually intense rainfall, with Mexico City registering record precipitation levels.

Tropical Storm Raymond lingered near the Pacific coast as of Saturday, bringing severe rain as it advanced northward. Reports of damage emerged in Chiapas, Guerrero, Oaxaca, and Michoacan.

According to the U.S. National Hurricane Center, the storm was expected to reach southern Baja California over the weekend.