Worst flooding in 40 years

The state of Veracruz is experiencing what local officials are calling the worst flooding in 40 years. The worst affected areas are located in the southern part of the state, with large sections of the towns of Minatitlan and Hidalgotitlan under as much as 10 ft/3 m of water. Approximately 10,000 people have taken refuge in shelters, and on 29 September 2008 the state governor urged them to remain in place, as more rainfall is forecast for the coming days. Five oil wells of Petroleros Mexicanos (PEMEX) in Veracruz remain closed. Flooding has also affected 13 of the 17 municipalities of the state of Tabasco, which borders on Veracruz. Floodwaters have impacted federal and state roadways, schools, churches and other public facilities; an estimated 27,500 state residents have been affected, approximately 1,700 of who are currently in shelters.