Mexico – 7 Dead, 8 Missing After Flash Floods in Michoacán

At least 7 people have died and 8 are missing after flash flooding in the state of Michoacán, Mexico, on 23 September 2018.

Last week heavy rain and flooding affected the states of Durango, Sonora, Chihuahua and Sinaloa, where at least 3 people died.

In Michoacán, 58 mm of rain fell in Peribán in the space of 2 hours, according to Mexico’s Comisión Nacional del Agua (Conagua). The torrential rain caused the Cutio river to overflow.

Flood water swept through areas of the municipality of Peribán, in particular the districts of Tirinditas and Río Negro.  Cars, trees, mud and debris were dragged cars along streets. At least 100 homes were damaged.

Flood waters reached a height of over 1.5 metres according to officials. Conagua said the flooding was worsened by blockages in the river.

Mexico’s Ministry of the Interior has declared an emergency for the municipality of Peribán. State Police, the federal army, civil protection and local authorities have been deployed to carry out relief and cleaning operations. Searches will continue for the missing people.

flood damage in Periban, Michoacan, Mexico, September 2018. Photo; Government of Michoacan
flood damage in Periban, Michoacan, Mexico, September 2018. Photo; Government of Michoacan

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Flood Summary

Last updated: September 25, 2018
Event
Sinaloa and Michoacán, Mexico, September 2018
Date
September 19, 2018
Type
Urban flood, Flash flood
Cause
Extreme rainfall
Flooding affected parts of Sinaloa from around 19 September. On 23 September a storm brought torrential rain to the state of Michoacán, causing rivers to overflow. Heavy rain during this period also affected parts of the states of Durango, Sonora, and Chihuahua, where some evacuations were carried out.

Locations

A - Los Mochis
B - Culiacán
C - Peribán

Magnitude

Rainfall level
359 mm in 24 hours
Los Mochis - September 19 to September 20, 2018
Sinaloa Governor, Quirino Ordaz Coppel, said in a statement that 359 mm of rain fell in Los Mochis in 24 hours to 20 September.
Rainfall level
58 mm in 24 hours
Peribán - September 23 to September 23, 2018
Conagua said 58 mm of rain fell in 2 hours

Damages

Fatalities
3 people
Sinaloa - September 19 to September 24, 2018
Evacuated
2,336
Sinaloa - September 19 to September 24, 2018
Fatalities
7 people
Michoacán - September 23 to September 25, 2018
8 people were still missing as of 25 September,