Mexico – Rain From Storm Marco Triggers Floods in Southern States

Tropical Storm Marco caused heavy rains in the southern states of Mexico from 20 August, with Veracruz, Oaxaca and Chiapas the worst affected.

Floods in Chiapas, Mexico, August 2020. Photo: Civil Protection, Chiapas

According to Mexico’s Servicio Meteorológico Nacional, heavy rain began around 20 August 2020. The rain intensified over the follwingg days, with Escuintla in Chiapas recording 186.4 mm of rain in a 24 hour period to 23 August and Ixtepec in Oaxaca 140.2 mm. Alvarado in Veracruz recorded 113.7 mm in 24 hours to 25 August.

Civil Protection in Chiapas reported that the Doña María river broke its banks, flooding more than 400 homes in Acapetahua municipality. One fatality was reported after flooding in the city of Tapachula. Flood rescues were carried out in Acacoyagua Municipality.

In Oaxaca, Civil Protection reported flooding in San José Chiltepec Municipality damaged around 85 homes.

In the state of Veracruz, minor flooding was reported in the state capital, Xalapa, and the surrounding Tlalnelhuayocan Municipality on 22 August.

Meanwhile another tropical storm – Storm Hernan – formed in the Eastern Pacific on 26 August 2020 and is moving along the western coast of Mexico.

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