Mexico storm death toll reaches 80

Mexico City, Sep 20 (IANS/EFE) At least 80 people have died in Mexico in the recent days following tropical storms that hit the country last weekend, the government statistics have revealed.

Most of the deaths - 48 - have been in the southern state of Guerrero, which was drenched with heavy rains that caused mudslides and flooding, according to Civil Protection chief Ricardo de la Cruz.

Of those fatalities in Guerrero, 18 died in the tourist mecca of Acapulco, which has been cut off by land from the rest of the country since the weekend.

However, an air bridge has been established to slowly evacuate thousands of people - including many tourists - stranded there.

Mexico's armed forces "are working on a 'forced march' basis" to get to the people who have been trapped or left destitute by the effects of tropical storms Manuel and Ingrid, the government said Wednesday.

Hurricane Manuel hit the country from the Pacific side and Ingrid from the Atlantic, the first time in half a century, according to the national weather service, that the country has been affected simultaneously by two tropical storms striking both coasts to deadly affect.

The armed forces have deployed some 8,000 troops nationwide for emergency relief efforts, Defense Secretary Salvador Cienfuegos said.

In Guerrero state, Manuel caused landslides along highways and damaged tunnels, made rivers overflow and knocked down bridges, all of which has left a good part of the state incommunicado.

"Without a doubt, Guerrero is the most affected (state) so far," admitted Robles, who called attention to the "extraordinary situation" facing Mexico at present.

"We have 40,000 tourists ... stranded here in Acapulco. Many of them arrive by land transport and today we have to remove them by air.

"We have to attend to the people who are in their homes, at the same time that (we do so) for those in the shelters, and to patrol the city to prevent problematic situations," she said.

"We have 10 helicopters working, we've rescued more than 1,000 people, we have them in shelters, we're in an emergency situation, not only in Acapulco, but in the entire state," Robles added.

--IANS/EFE

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