Severe tropical storms recently slammed into central and eastern parts of the country. These powerful weather systems unleashed floods and landslides, leaving communities grappling with widespread damage. In response, the Secretariat of National Defense immediately activated its comprehensive disaster relief plan, known as Plan DN-III-E.
This massive effort involves over 7,400 personnel from the Army, Air Force, and National Guard. They are working tirelessly across several affected states. Their mission is clear: protect people and restore essential services for those impacted by the storms.
Help Arrives Where It’s Needed Most
In San Luis Potosí, military teams are bringing food and safe drinking water to six towns: San Vicente Tancuayalab, Tanquián de Escobedo, Axtla de Terrazas, Tamazunchale, San Martin Chalchicuautla, and Xilitla. This aid includes more than 3,000 food packages and 6,000 liters of bottled water, reaching families in both rural and city areas.
Further east in Puebla, soldiers have handed out 1,500 food packages and 3,000 liters of water in Xicotepec, Venustiano Carranza, and Huauchinango. They are also providing safe places for people who had to leave their homes because of landslides. The storms caused some deaths there, and clean-up crews are also helping clear debris from damaged houses.
In the state of Veracruz, aid focuses on Álamo and Tuxpan. Here, medical care, food, and transport support are helping reopen roads to isolated communities. These operations run around the clock, with close teamwork between military personnel and local government officials.
The Tools of Disaster Response
To manage such a widespread emergency, the Secretariat of National Defense has deployed a lot of equipment. This includes seven helicopters: three in Puebla, two in Veracruz, and two in Hidalgo. These aircraft are key for moving food, supplies, and emergency workers to areas difficult to reach. A mobile kitchen in Venustiano Carranza can produce over 10,000 meals every day. Three community kitchens in Veracruz also provide food to those most in need.
Two water purification plants are also at work, located in Huauchinango and Álamo. Each plant can make 10,000 liters of clean drinking water daily. This ensures communities have fresh water, especially where services have been cut off. Five special catering units are running in Puebla, Veracruz, and Hidalgo, serving up to 4,500 meals daily.
The aid package also includes heavy machinery, mobile hospitals with 160 beds, Zodiac boats, and large trucks filled with water and food supplies. Mobile command posts in Huauchinango and Álamo are coordinating all these relief efforts in real-time.
Presidential Oversight and Promise of Support
President Claudia Sheinbaum shared that she met with the governors of Veracruz, Hidalgo, Puebla, Querétaro, and San Luis Potosí. The group discussed the storm damage. Leaders from various federal government agencies also attended, giving updates on each state’s situation.
During her message, Sheinbaum offered her deepest sympathy to affected families. "To all the people who lost a family member, I send my support and solidarity," she stated. The President promised, "The affected population will lack nothing."
Sheinbaum also highlighted the government’s deployment of staff and equipment. This team is working to clear roads and assist the hardest-hit communities. "Members and equipment were deployed for road clearing and community assistance," she confirmed, adding that more meetings will take place.
The Army, Air Force, and National Guard continue their operations under Plan DN-III-E. They work closely with local and federal groups. Their tasks include rescuing people, handing out food, cleaning streets, and fixing roads blocked by landslides. The Secretariat of National Defense has guaranteed that these operations will continue until all families affected by Tropical Storm Raymond receive the help they need. The main goal remains ensuring the safety, health, and well-being of everyone impacted.