Torrential rains linked to Tropical Storm Raymond and remnants of earlier weather systems have unleashed catastrophic floods and landslides across central and Gulf coastal regions of Mexico, killing at least 64 people and leaving 65 others missing, authorities confirmed Monday.
The ongoing deluge — part of the wider October 2025 Mexico floods and landslides — has devastated communities across Veracruz, Puebla, Hidalgo, Oaxaca, and San Luis Potosí. Thousands have been forced to evacuate as rivers overflow, homes collapse, and critical infrastructure crumbles under the relentless rainfall.
Entire Towns Cut Off as Roads Collapse
Emergency officials report that more than 1,000 kilometers of roads have been destroyed or rendered impassable due to washouts and landslides, isolating dozens of municipalities. Helicopters are now being used to deliver food, water, and medical aid to stranded mountain communities.
The Mexican Army and National Guard have joined local rescue teams, deploying boats and heavy machinery to reach trapped residents. Authorities estimate that over 100,000 homes have been damaged or completely destroyed.
In Veracruz, swollen rivers burst their banks, sweeping away bridges and vehicles, while in Puebla, continuous rainfall triggered deadly mudslides that buried entire hillside settlements.
Power Outages and Communication Breakdowns
Thousands of households remain without electricity or clean water as power lines and treatment plants suffer extensive damage. Communication networks in rural zones have also collapsed, complicating coordination of ongoing rescue operations.
State emergency services have established temporary shelters for displaced residents, but resources are strained. Relief organizations have appealed for donations of food, potable water, blankets, and medical supplies to support affected families.
Government Response and Ongoing Risk
President Andrés Manuel López Obrador expressed condolences to victims’ families and pledged federal assistance for recovery and reconstruction. The National Civil Protection Agency has issued continued weather warnings as more heavy rain is expected in coming days, heightening risks of further flooding and landslides.
Meteorologists note that Tropical Storm Raymond’s remnants, combined with other atmospheric systems, have intensified rainfall far inland — a pattern that reflects increasing climate volatility across Mexico and the broader region.
One of Mexico’s Deadliest Disasters in Years
As rescue teams continue searching for the missing, officials warn that the death toll could rise. With entire towns still inaccessible and rainfall ongoing, the October 2025 floods are shaping up to be among Mexico’s most destructive natural disasters in recent years.
The catastrophe underscores the nation’s growing vulnerability to extreme weather events — and the urgent need for resilient infrastructure and disaster preparedness in an era of accelerating climate change.
