Deadly flooding devastates central and southeastern Mexico

Days of relentless rain have caused catastrophic flooding, landslides, and mudslides across central and southeastern Mexico.

(CNN)- Days of relentless rain have caused catastrophic flooding, landslides, and mudslides across central and southeastern Mexico, leaving widespread destruction and heartbreak in their wake.

In the state of Hidalgo, entire homes have been buried under mud and debris. Among the victims are two infants who died when flooding swept through their home. Their neighbors marked the site with two small crosses — a tragic reminder of the lives lost.

“There are no authorities here,” said CNN’s Valeria Leon, reporting from the scene. “It was the neighbors who came to help.”

Local resident Enrique Hernandez described how he and others rushed to rescue the children: “We ran to help, to try to save them,” he said. “We couldn’t do more.”

Many families in the area have been cut off for more than three days, with roads destroyed and communities isolated. Residents are pleading for government assistance, food, and shelter. The Mexican federal government has announced plans to begin a census this week to identify affected families and distribute aid.

Hundreds remain in need as recovery efforts continue amid destroyed infrastructure and ongoing rains.