Dozens of communities across central Mexico were inundated with heavy rains as Tropical Storm Raymond made landfall last weekend.
At least 70 people are dead, 72 people are reported missing, and almost 100,000 homes are estimated to be destroyed, according to Reuters.
Search and rescue teams continue to look for residents as storm winds and rains continue to hit central Mexico and the southwestern states of the United States.
A succession of storms has made 2025 one of the rainiest years on record in Mexico, and this weekend’s rain caused flash flooding and rising waters in the states of Veracruz, Hidalgo, Puebla, San Luis Potosi, and Queretaro. Residents are experiencing inaccessible and blocked roads, and the current storm compounded impacts from Hurricane Priscilla’s heavy rains in early October.
Direct Relief’s Response
Direct Relief has been responding to storm impacts in Mexico and has dispatched requested medical aid to support needs in flood-impacted areas. Field medic packs, designed to equip first responders in disaster settings, were sent to organizations in flood-impacted areas. Direct Relief also shipped emergency medicines and supplies, including antibiotics, chronic disease management medications, and wound care supplies, to support the health services post-flood.
Medical aid went to Mexico’s Secretariat of National Defense, or SEDENA, the Guerrero Ministry of Health’s Urgent Care Unit mobilizing to Veracruz, and nonprofit Medical IMPACT, which is deploying medical teams to assess health needs and establish a supply line to underserved communities lacking access to care. Direct Relief is also providing $25,000 in emergency operating funds to support Medical IMPACT’s deployment and immediate flood response efforts.
Storm impacts like flooding can bring about a host of health concerns, including healthcare interruptions caused by evacuations, waterborne illnesses when water systems are damaged, and the possibility of mosquito-borne diseases, including dengue.
Direct Relief staff in Mexico are in communication with multiple organizations and agencies, including the Secretariat of National Defense, about ongoing medical needs. Direct Relief will continue to respond as needs become known.
