After tearing its way through central Mexico, the deadly Tropical Storm Raymond is starting to settle down. It’s left at least 64 dead, with more still missing, and thousands of homes damaged or destroyed.
If you were due to travel in the next few days to Veracruz, Hidalgo, or even Mexico City, you’re probably understandably concerned about how these flash floods might impact your trip.
Although there’s no official guidance against travelling to the parts of Mexico affected by Raymond, you should be aware of what’s going on so you can keep yourself safe. Here’s everything you need to know about the current floods in Mexico.
Where is the flooding in Mexico?
The worst of the floods in Mexico at the moment are in the nation’s central and eastern states, with Veracruz, Hidalgo, and Puebla facing particularly harsh weather.
Nearly 100 towns in north Veracruz are still unreachable by road, cut off by landslides or floodwater. During a press briefing, Mexican president Claudia Sheinbaum reported that entire houses ‘practically disappeared’ as the storms reached coastal towns, and that authorities predict nearly 100,000 homes could be damaged by the weather.
Are flights still running?
There are no reports of any major airport shutdowns in the area, although delays should be expected whenever you’re travelling into an area with severe weather.
Is it safe to travel?
There are no official warnings against travelling to the flooded areas of the country as of October 14. On Friday (October 10), the Canadian government did issue guidance for anyone currently in, or heading to, the areas affected by Storm Raymond, recommending people stay away from flooded areas, monitor local news and weather reports, and follow the instructions of local authorities, including evacuation orders.
In short, you can travel to the area, but be aware of where floods remain and remain vigilant for landslides.
Can I get a refund if I cancel my trip?
Whether or not you’re eligible for a refund will depend on who your travel provider is. As a general rule, most will not provide refunds if you cancel at short notice because there is no official warning against travel for non-essential purposes. Contact your booking agent for information about the specifics of your holiday.
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