NEED TO KNOW
- On Sunday, Oct. 12, the death toll from heavy rainfall across Mexico rose to 47 people
- According to local reports, at least 38 people remain missing in three different states amid the severe weather
- Authorities believe the rain is a result of two dissipated tropical storms, Pricilla and Raymond, that formed off the western coast of Mexico
At least 47 people are dead and multiple others remain missing after heavy rainfall across Mexico.
On Sunday, Oct. 12, the death toll rose to 47 amid floods and landslides triggered by the intense rain the Associated Press reported, citing Mexico’s Civil Protection agency.
In the Gulf Coast state of Veracruz, 18 people were reported dead, while Hidalgo, which is north of Mexico City, reported 16. East of the capital, Puebla reported at least 12 deaths.
One child died after being caught in a landslide in Querétaro, according to the outlet.
There are also at least 38 other people missing and 259 towns in five states are cut off due to the devastation, per local outlets Excelsior and La Jornada. The downpour has damaged thousands of homes and roads, while also sweeping away vehicles.
Some residents in Poza Rica, Veracruz, saw up to 12 feet of water after the Cazones River rose on Friday, the Associated Press reported.
The relentless rainfall that struck multiple parts of Mexico was recorded from Oct. 6 to 9.
Officials believe the rain was a result of two tropical storms, Pricilla and Raymond, which took place off the western coast of Mexico, per the Associated Press.
According to La Jornada, 146 temporary shelters are currently providing food, shelter and medical care to over 5,000 people.
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Around 6,000 federal forces are among those who’ve been deployed to remove debris from the devastation, while also providing food and other essentials to shelters.
Thousands of people, however, remain without electricity and running water, according to the Associated Press.
“There are still various communities in Veracruz that find themselves cut off that fortunately, today they were able to establish air bridges to be able to take food, water and attend to any sick people,” President Claudia Sheinbaum said during her visit to Veracruz on Sunday, per the outlet.
“We know that there is a lot of desperation and worry. We’re going to get to everyone,” Sheinbaum concluded.
Mexico’s Civil Protection agency did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
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