'Biblical' Flood Ravages Mexico

Shortages of food, drinking water, and medicine threaten southeastern Mexico, where muddy flood waters cover 80% of the state of Tabasco and almost a million people have had to flee their homes. "The scene here is terrible, it's biblical," a Red Cross official told the Guardian, as a huge effort was mounted to rescue 300,000 people still trapped on roofs by surging waters.

Among the worst hit was the state capital, Villahermosa, built in a bowl below sea level, prompting comparisons with New Orleans. President Felipe Calderón called the flood "one of the worst disasters in the history of the country." Many of the buildings earlier designated as shelters are now under water, and continuing rains are predicted for the weekend. (More flood stories.)