Severe flooding across five Mexican states has left widespread devastation, with Poza Rica in Veracruz facing a unique environmental crisis. Known as an oil town, the city is battling not only rising water levels but also thick oil residue coating homes, streets, and vegetation.
More than 100,000 homes across the region have been damaged following torrential rains caused by two tropical systems, Hurricane Priscilla and Tropical Storm Raymond. In Poza Rica, floodwaters reached ceilings and carried oil deposits through residential areas, turning recovery into a toxic challenge.
Authorities have confirmed at least 64 deaths and 65 missing people. Veracruz reported the highest casualties, followed by Hidalgo and Puebla. A child also lost their life in a landslide in Quer&eacute;taro.
The Mexican government has deployed over 10,000 troops and rescue teams to support affected communities. Helicopters are delivering food and medical supplies to over 200 isolated villages still cut off by floodwaters.
While Pemex, the state oil company, denied any confirmed oil spill, residents claim the flooding carried petroleum waste into neighbourhoods. The disaster highlights the dual threat of climate-driven storms and industrial vulnerability in Mexico&rsquo;s oil-producing regions.

Flooding devastates Mexico’s oil town Poza Rica, coating homes and streets with toxic resi

Mexico Floods Leave Oil-Covered Ruins

Flooding devastates Mexico’s oil town Poza Rica, coating homes and streets with toxic resi

October 14, 2025 | 16:39 IST