Dozens of communities across central Mexico were severely affected by Tropical Storm Raymond, which made landfall last weekend, bringing heavy rains and flooding. The storm has resulted in at least 70 fatalities, 72 people reported missing, and nearly 100,000 homes destroyed. Search and rescue operations are ongoing, while storm conditions continue to impact central Mexico and parts of the southwestern United States.
The 2025 rainy season in Mexico has been exceptionally intense, with this latest storm causing flash floods and rising waters in Veracruz, Hidalgo, Puebla, San Luis Potosi, and Queretaro. Many roads are blocked or inaccessible, and the flooding compounded damage from Hurricane Priscilla earlier in October. Communities are grappling with severe disruption to daily life and infrastructure.
Direct Relief has been actively responding to the disaster by sending medical aid to affected areas. Field medic packs for first responders, along with emergency medications and supplies—including antibiotics, chronic disease management medications, and wound care items—have been dispatched to support health services in flood-impacted regions.
Medical assistance has been provided to Mexico’s Secretariat of National Defense (SEDENA), the Guerrero Ministry of Health’s Urgent Care Unit deploying to Veracruz, and the nonprofit Medical IMPACT, which is establishing supply lines and deploying teams to underserved communities. Direct Relief has also contributed $25,000 in emergency operating funds to support Medical IMPACT’s immediate flood response efforts.
Flooding creates significant health risks, including interruptions to healthcare services, waterborne illnesses from damaged water systems, and potential mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue. Direct Relief continues to coordinate with multiple agencies and organizations to assess evolving medical needs and provide ongoing support to communities affected by the storm.
