Tropical Storms Priscilla and Raymond Devastate Mexico

Spread love

Floods and landslides triggered by rains inundated Poza Rica and southeastern Mexico, submerging towns under seven meters of water.

By TRH Foreign Affairs Desk

New Delhi, October 13, 2025 — Torrential rains linked to Tropical Storms Priscilla and Raymond have unleashed catastrophic flooding and landslides across central and southeastern Mexico, killing at least 64 people and leaving 65 missing, according to government reports.

The oil town of Poza Rica in Veracruz state bore the brunt of the disaster, where a “wall of water” more than four meters deep tore through neighbourhoods. Cars were hurled into treetops, roads were obliterated, and homes vanished under over seven meters of floodwater, according to eyewitness accounts shared by Climate Review on X.

Authorities say more than 16,000 homes have been damaged or destroyed, and over 150 communities remain without power. Entire towns have been cut off as rivers overflowed their banks, washing away bridges and roads.

A man in Veracruz recounted his tragedy to local media: “We thought my uncle had gone. But when we came back, we found him drowned in his home.”

President Claudia Sheinbaum announced that 6,700 soldiers and rescue personnel have been deployed for emergency relief and search operations, with additional teams working to restore power and clear debris.

Images from Poza Rica show a scene of apocalyptic destruction — submerged streets, overturned vehicles, and livestock swept away by raging currents. AFP and DW News reported that the death toll is expected to rise as rescuers reach isolated areas.

Meteorologists warn that with the ground already saturated, further rainfall could trigger additional landslides in the coming days. The government has urged residents in high-risk zones to evacuate immediately.

As Mexico mourns and begins the daunting task of rebuilding, the disaster stands as another stark reminder of the region’s growing vulnerability to extreme weather events intensified by climate change.