Escalating Death Toll in Mexico Due to Heavy Rains
In a tragic turn of events, the number of fatalities resulting from the extreme rainfall in Mexico has now risen to 64. The relentless weather has also resulted in 65 people being reported missing. The search efforts have had to be extended in response to these unsettling numbers.
Residents of the oil-rich town of Poza Rica had to flee their homes due to severe flooding. Lilia Ramírez, a local resident, had to abandon her home when floodwater from a nearby stream started pouring in. Upon her return, she found her home not only damaged by water but also smeared with oil.
The Aftermath of the Floods
The floodwaters have brought with them oil, a significant problem in this oil-centric town. Approximately 100,000 homes scattered across the region have sustained damage due to the relentless rains and subsequent flooding.
Lilia's once pink walls are now marred with vertical black stripes. She said she had never seen anything like this before. The cleanup efforts in Poza Rica are further complicated by the thick layers of oil deposited on trees, roofs, and vehicles tossed around by the powerful currents.
Rescue Operations and Disaster Management
The Mexican authorities have deployed a force of 10,000 troops and civilian rescue teams. They are using helicopters to deliver food and water to the approximately 200 communities that remain isolated due to the floods. The helicopters are also being used to evacuate the sick and injured.
President Claudia Sheinbaum assured that there would be no shortage of resources during this emergency period. However, she also admitted that it could be a while before some areas regain access due to the extensive damage caused by the floods. She emphasized the need for multiple flights to ensure the delivery of sufficient food and water supplies to those affected.
Despite the situation, the president maintains that the government did all it could to provide adequate warning. She explained that predicting the extent of this disaster would have been challenging due to its nature, which differs from standard hurricane scenarios.
Impact Across Mexico
The heavy rainfall has wreaked havoc across various parts of Mexico. The Civil Protection agency reports 29 deaths in Veracruz state on the Gulf Coast and 21 fatalities in Hidalgo state, north of Mexico City. A minimum of 13 deaths were recorded in Puebla, situated east of Mexico City, and a child tragically lost their life in a landslide in the central state of Querétaro.
The two tropical systems, a hurricane and a tropical storm, which formed off Mexico's western coast and have since dissipated, are being blamed for these deadly downpours.
In past instances of heavy rainfall, the state oil company had drained areas with oil to prevent its spread. A local resident, Roberto Olvera, mentioned that the company's facility siren had alerted them to the impending danger. He described the moment as extremely distressing, as many community members who chose to stay behind lost their lives.
The oil company has stated that they have not received any reports of an oil spill in the area so far. This assertion, however, seems to be in contrast with the reality faced by the residents trying to clean up their oil-covered homes and streets.