(MENAFN) Authorities in Mexico have confirmed that severe storms over the past weekend have claimed 66 lives as of Wednesday, with multiple regions still under emergency conditions.

Heavy rainfall and flooding continue to affect five states spanning central Mexico and the eastern coastline. Officials have also indicated that 75 people remain missing or unaccounted for.

The Gulf Coast state of Veracruz suffered the brunt of the devastation, with local authorities reporting 30 fatalities and 18 individuals still missing. Hidalgo, located in central Mexico, recorded the second-highest death toll with 21 casualties and 50 missing. Puebla reported 14 deaths and seven missing, while Queretaro confirmed a single fatality. San Luis Potosi, although spared from loss of life, experienced significant damage to homes and infrastructure.

In response to the disaster, federal authorities have deployed military forces to assist affected communities, and emergency shelters have been established in the hardest-hit areas.

According to the Navy, at least 3,701 residents have been evacuated so far.

Government bodies and humanitarian organizations are continuing efforts to deliver aid, particularly to 19 communities that remain isolated due to flood conditions.

Unexpected support has also emerged from unconventional sources. Reports indicate that members of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), known for its violent criminal activities, were observed distributing supplies. Social media footage shows cartel members dressed in tactical gear and armed with high-caliber weapons handing out aid.

During a Wednesday morning press briefing, President Claudia Sheinbaum denied the authenticity of these videos, instead presenting images of military personnel assisting disaster victims.

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