Hurricane Agatha: At least 11 killed in flooding and mudslides in Mexico | World News

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At least 11 people have been killed in flooding and mudslides caused by Hurricane Agatha in Mexico.

The governor of the southern state of Oaxaca said some victims were buried under mud and rocks, while others were swept away in homes after rivers burst their banks.

Alejando Murat said another 20 people are missing, including three children who were last seen near the resort of Huatulco.

Most of the deaths seem to be in a number of small towns in the mountains, just inland from the coast, he said.

Agatha made landfall on Monday on a stretch of small beach towns and fishing villages in Oxaca.

It was initially a strong Category 2 hurricane with winds of up to 105mph but weakened as it moved inland.

Residents salvage belongings from homes in Mexico
Image:
Residents wade through knee-deep water

Its remnants were moving northeast on Tuesday into Veracruz state.

Mr Murat said some bridges had been washed out and a number of motorways were blocked by mudslides.

‘I have nothing left’

Some communities have had their power restored.

In San Isidro del Palmar, which is a few miles from the coast, residents were seen wading through neck-deep water to salvage what they could from their homes after the Tonameca river overflowed.

“I have nothing left, nothing to eat,” said Antonio Díaz as he stood inside what was left of his home.

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Hurricane lashes Mexico

In Mazunte, resident José Maria Pacheco Hernández said the storm had “damaged all the businesses here on the beach, the palapas, the roofs, fallen trees, all of the main street, [and] the streets that lead to the beach”.

Tina Deuxfois, a Canadian living there, said: “It was very strong and very scary, and also we had to work the whole time to keep the house together, so it felt like a lot of work and stressful.”

In nearby Zipolite, known for its clothing-optional beach and bohemian vibe, hotel manager Silvia Ranfagni said the wind had knocked out telephone coverage on Monday.

“A lot of trees were down, roads washed out,” she said. “A lot of metal and thatched roofs were blown off.”

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