POZA RICA, Mexico – Just moments before floodwaters surged into her home, Lilia Ramírez fled with only a few belongings in hand. Upon returning, she was met with devastation: her entire ground floor submerged and walls stained with oily streaks left behind by the floodwaters.
Known for its oil industry, Poza Rica faces a unique challenge as residents contend not only with flood damage but also with the oily residue that has coated homes and streets. Torrential rains have claimed 64 lives across five states and left 65 individuals unaccounted for, while approximately 100,000 residences have suffered damage throughout the affected region near the Gulf of Mexico.
“I’ve never seen the walls tarred like this before,” Ramírez remarked on Monday, standing amid the wreckage where her once pink walls now bear dark vertical stains.
In response to the disaster, Mexico has mobilized around 10,000 military personnel alongside civilian rescue units. Helicopters have been deployed to deliver essential supplies such as food and water to over 200 isolated communities, as well as to evacuate those injured or ill.
“We have ample resources, and we will not cut corners during this emergency phase,” President Claudia Sheinbaum assured during her daily briefing on Monday.
However, in parts of Poza Rica, located roughly 275 kilometers northeast of Mexico City, cleanup efforts are hindered by thick layers of oil coating trees, rooftops, and vehicles swept away by the floodwaters last Friday.
Community members assist in cleaning the Olvera Gomez household in Poza Rica, Veracruz state, Mexico, Monday, Oct. 13, 2025, following heavy rains.
Felix Marquez/AP
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Felix Marquez/AP
Between October 6 and 9, parts of Veracruz experienced nearly 63 centimeters (24.7 inches) of rainfall.
Ramírez noted that during previous heavy rain events, the state oil company Pemex had taken measures to drain oil-contaminated areas to prevent widespread pollution.
Neighbor Roberto Olvera recalled the tense moments when a siren from a nearby Pemex facility warned residents of imminent danger. “It was terrifying because many neighbors stayed behind, and sadly, some lost their lives,” he shared.
In a brief statement, Pemex reported no confirmed oil spills in the affected zones to date.
President Sheinbaum mentioned that reaching some isolated areas might take several more days. “Numerous flights are necessary to deliver adequate food and water supplies,” she explained.
She also dismissed claims that the government failed to issue timely warnings. “This situation was unpredictable and unlike hurricanes, which allow for earlier alerts,” she stated.
According to Mexico’s Civil Protection agency, the flooding has resulted in 29 fatalities in Veracruz, 21 in Hidalgo, and at least 13 in Puebla. Additionally, a child died in a landslide in Querétaro.
Officials attribute the severe rainfall to two tropical systems-Hurricane Priscilla and Tropical Storm Raymond-that developed off Mexico’s western coast before dissipating.
