At least two people have been killed after torrential rains triggered severe flooding across central Mexico, local authorities said on Saturday.
The victims were discovered in the city of Querétaro late Friday, according to a civil protection report. “They were swept away by rainwater,” the statement confirmed.
Heavy downpours battered large parts of the country, overwhelming drainage systems and leaving homes, vehicles, and infrastructure badly damaged. Videos circulating on social media showed streets turned into rivers, with residents struggling to navigate chest-deep water.
Mexico City, home to more than nine million people, also endured intense rainfall that caused flooding in several districts. Authorities at Benito Juárez International Airport briefly suspended operations on Saturday, citing water accumulation on runways. Flights later resumed after emergency crews cleared the excess water.
The flooding prompted the federal government to activate a military emergency response plan, known locally as “Plan DN-III.” Troops were deployed to assist stranded residents, reinforce barriers, and distribute aid in the worst-affected areas.
Officials said rescue efforts remain underway as teams continue to search for people reported missing. The full extent of the damage is still being assessed, though authorities acknowledged that dozens of homes were inundated and hundreds of vehicles destroyed or left submerged.
Querétaro, a city of over one million residents in central Mexico, was among the hardest-hit areas. Local officials warned of additional risks due to unstable slopes and the possibility of landslides in surrounding communities.
The disaster has underscored the increasing vulnerability of urban areas to extreme weather events. Mexico has experienced a series of intense storms this year, with scientists linking such patterns to the effects of climate change, which is driving heavier rainfall and unpredictable weather across the region.
In addition to property damage, authorities are bracing for the public health consequences of the flooding, including waterborne diseases and interruptions to essential services. Temporary shelters have been established in several municipalities to house displaced families.
President Andrés Manuel López Obrador expressed condolences to the victims’ families and pledged federal support to restore affected communities. “The priority is saving lives and providing immediate assistance,” he said.
Meanwhile, meteorologists have warned that more rain is forecast in the coming days. The National Water Commission urged residents in central and southern states to remain vigilant, avoid flooded zones, and follow official safety guidance.
The tragedy in Mexico comes as other nations, including Niger, grapple with deadly floods this week. Experts say such events highlight the growing need for stronger infrastructure, improved drainage systems, and comprehensive climate adaptation measures.
For now, residents in Querétaro and Mexico City continue to cope with the aftermath of the storm, as emergency teams work to bring relief to those hit hardest by the sudden deluge.
