The devastating floods and landslides in central and southeastern Mexico in October 2025, were caused by torrential rains associated with Tropical Storms Priscilla and Raymond developing off the Pacific coast.
As of the government’s report on Sunday, October 12, the disaster had claimed the lives of 44 people across five states. The states with the highest number of fatalities were Veracruz (18 deaths) and Hidalgo (16 deaths), followed by Puebla (9 deaths) and Querétaro (1 death).
The sheer volume of rain was immense; for example, one area in Veracruz received about 21 inches (540 mm) of rain between October 6 and 9. This led to overflowing rivers, widespread flooding, and destructive landslides.
The storms’ severe impacts extended across 117 municipalities in five states, including San Luis Potosí, causing substantial infrastructure damage and displacement.
Key figures of the damage reported include:
A. Over 32,000 homes in Puebla and Veracruz alone were reported as damaged or destroyed.
B. About 320,000 electricity users across the country experienced power outages.
C. Roads were cut off, isolating numerous communities, with more than 40 in Veracruz losing access.
Severe local flooding occurred, notably in the town of Poza Rica, where the Cazones River breached its banks, submerging some low-lying areas under over 12 feet of water.
In response to the emergency, President Claudia Sheinbaum initiated a massive relief effort, convening governors of the affected states to coordinate an emergency plan and deploying thousands of soldiers and naval personnel for rescue operations and aid delivery to the affected population.