Isolated communities in Veracruz and Hidalgo: Air bridges continue

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum reported that airlifts continue to reach communities cut off by recent rains in Veracruz and Hidalgo.

From the National Palace, during her morning press conference, President Sheinbaum stated that only a few communities remain isolated and that they are receiving food supplies and medical attention.

“The machinery is still working; we haven’t stopped. The machinery continues working to open the roads.

“They can come and go on foot; they aren’t isolated, so to speak. The road access is open, and the airlifts are still in operation. We continue to deliver food supplies and provide them with access to doctors, medicine, everything they need,” she explained.

The head of the Executive Branch indicated that the second round of aid to those affected will begin next Monday, and she will provide a report on the number of homes and the extent of the damage.

As of the October 15th update, 46 communities in Veracruz were reported as cut off after the intense rains and floods. These communities remained without road access. The rains also damaged roads, bridges, and caused landslides and mudslides.

Federal and state authorities reported that, although there had been progress in opening roads, some communities remained inaccessible.

The heavy rains in October, resulting from a monsoon and other natural phenomena, caused severe damage to road infrastructure and rural roads in Veracruz and other states. This left numerous communities isolated.

In Hidalgo, 152 communities remained cut off as of October 16th following torrential rains. Additionally, 134 roads were reported closed and 42 bridges damaged in the state.

The rains also caused sinkholes, landslides, and mudslides, further complicating connectivity for rural communities.

Hidalgo was one of the states most affected by the extreme rainfall, resulting in a large number of isolated or inaccessible communities, as well as loss of life and property.

Unfortunately, the isolated communities were primarily those in rural areas with limited road infrastructure or alternative routes, and where people with very low incomes live.

Damage to roads, bridges, landslides, and collapsed streets have been the main cause of the isolation. Although there has been progress in reopening roads and restoring mobility, some communities remain without access weeks after the devastating rains.

Source: exclesior