Update 25/09/13
Interior Secretary Miguel Ángel Osorio Chong said total fatalities as a result if the floods, storms and landslides is now 130.
8 bodies buried in a landslide were recovered in Acatepec, Guerrero
By far the worst landslide was in La Pintada, Guerrero. 68 people are thought to have died there. Only a few bodies have been recovered so far. Emergency services and military are continuing the search.
Original report from 23/09/13
Below is a summary of the flooding disaster that hit Mexico over the last week after Hurricanes Manuel and Ingrid struck last Sunday, 15th September.
Hurricanes and severe weather
- This is the first time since 1958 that Mexico has been hit by simultaneous hurricanes.
- Some heavy rainfall still being reported
- Culiancan saw nearly 10 inches (25 cm) in 24 hours on Tuesday 19th September
- Over 8 inches (20cm) in Mazatlan
- Around 12 inches (30cm) in Acapulco
Numbers of Affected
- More than 1 million people have been affected across the country
- 200,000 people were left homeless and nearly 60,000 were evacuated (according to Interior Minister Miguel Angel Osorio Chong)
- Early official estimates are that nationwide the storms damaged 1.5 million homes in 22 of Mexico’s 32 states
- Between 110 and 115 deaths (according to announcement on Sunday 22nd September by President Enrique Pena Nieto)
- Mexican state of Guerrero was the hardest hit, with at least 65 deaths
Rescue, Damage and Clear Up
- Emergency crews are continuing their search for victims
- 5 people were killed after a Federal Police helicopter crashed on Thursday 19th September during rescue efforts in La Pintada, Guerrero state
- 72 roads or highways have been severely damaged
- Road repairs expected to cost $3 billion (according to the transport ministry)
- President says there will be a need for congress to revise its budgets in order to help flood stricken areas
Acapulco
- Acapulco was left isolated after the two major roads covered by landslides on 15th September
- Acapulco city suffered severe flooding, with media reports if rising waters bringing out crocodiles, and looters ransacking stores
- Acapulco international airport was flooded leaving tourists stranded
- 62,000 tourists have now managed to leave the city (either by road or special airlift) , about half by road and half in special airlift planes
