Rain fury in Mexico kills at least 23 people, 5,400 troops deployed for rescue ops

At least 23 people have died in Mexico due to heavy rains this week, local authorities across the country said Friday.

Mexico’s civil defense authorities reported intense rainfall in 31 of 32 states, with the worst-affected areas being Veracruz in the east, Queretaro and Hidalgo in the center, and the north-central state of San Luis Potosi.

In Hidalgo state, 16 deaths were reported and 1,000 homes affected. Five deaths were reported in Puebla state, and 11 people were still unaccounted for.

A minor died in Veracruz state, and a police officer died in Queretaro.

Laura Velazquez, the national coordinator for civil defense, said the affected states had experienced landslides, overflowing rivers and road collapses.

“We are working to support the population, reopen roads and get the power back on,” President Claudia Sheinbaum wrote on X after a meeting with local officials and members of her cabinet.

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The military will help distribute aid in affected areas, with more than 5,400 troops deployed, along with rescue equipment and vehicles.

Shelters were open for those displaced from their homes.

Mexico has been hit by particularly heavy rains throughout 2025, with a rainfall record set in the capital Mexico City.

Tropical Storm Raymond is currently off the country’s Pacific coast, dumping heavy rains as it moves northward. Damage from that storm has been reported in Chiapas, Guerrero, Oaxaca and Michoacan states.

It is expected to hit the southern part of Baja California over the weekend, according to the US National Hurricane Center.