Mexico Storms Priscilla and Raymond Leave 129 Dead or Missing Amid Floods and Landslides

At least 129 people have been confirmed dead or missing in Mexico after torrential rains, floods, and landslides triggered by seasonal storms Priscilla and Raymond devastated multiple regions. President Claudia Sheinbaum said 64 bodies have been recovered so far, while 65 people remain unaccounted for.

Rising Death Toll and Widespread Destruction
The storms unleashed relentless rainfall throughout last week, causing rivers, lakes, and reservoirs to overflow. Five provinces were severely affected, with Hidalgo and Veracruz suffering the heaviest losses. According to the National Disaster Management Agency:

Hidalgo: 29 confirmed deaths, 18 missing

Veracruz: 21 confirmed deaths, 43 missing

The scale of destruction is staggering. Nearly 100,000 homes have been damaged, and more than 250,000 people have been directly affected. Entire communities remain cut off due to collapsed roads and washed-out bridges.

Government Response
President Sheinbaum announced that rescue operations are ongoing and pledged immediate relief for affected families. She confirmed she will convene an emergency cabinet meeting to coordinate aid distribution and long-term recovery measures. Thousands of military personnel and emergency workers have been deployed to assist with evacuations, provide medical care, and restore essential services.

Infrastructure Collapse and Health Risks
The storms have caused widespread power outages across central and coastal Mexico, leaving hundreds of thousands without electricity. Authorities are also warning of waterborne disease outbreaks as floodwaters contaminate drinking supplies. Infrastructure damage, including destroyed roads, bridges, and communication lines, has further complicated relief efforts.

Climate Change and Urban Planning Concerns
Experts say the disaster highlights the compounding effects of climate change and poor urban planning. Rapid urbanization in flood-prone areas, combined with inadequate drainage systems, has made communities more vulnerable to extreme weather events. Scientists warn that such storms are likely to become more frequent and intense in the coming years.

Outlook
While floodwaters have begun to recede in some areas, the humanitarian crisis is far from over. Thousands remain displaced, and the search for missing persons continues. The government has promised financial assistance, temporary shelters, and reconstruction programs, but recovery is expected to take months.