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Flood Victims Fight for Food

20,000 still trapped on rooftops as workers focus on 'selective evacuations'

By Sam Gale Rosen,  Newser Staff

Posted Nov 5, 2007 6:55 PM CST
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(Newser) – Mexican flood victims fought for food and medicine today, as workers continued efforts to rescue 20,000 still stranded on rooftops, the AP reports. Some camped on upper floors or roofs to guard possessions, while others went looking—some looting—for food. One worker said rescuers were focusing on "selective evacuations," mostly of the sick, and dropping supplies in remote towns.

Flooding has overtaken 80 percent of the Gulf Coast state of Tabasco since rivers first overflowed about a week ago. The state capital, Villahermosa, remains underwater, where garbage has stacked up since public services were cut. Two more bodies were found yesterday, bringing the region's death toll to 10. President Felipe Calderon called the scene "grave" but vowed that the worst was over. 

Paramedics vaccinate a man flood victim in Villahermosa, Mexico, Sunday, Nov. 4, 2007. Getting the sick and injured out, and vital supplies like food and water in, replaced mass evacuations as the priority for emergency workers in Tabasco and Chiapas states, where the widespread floods have caused 8 deaths. (AP...
Paramedics vaccinate a man flood victim in Villahermosa, Mexico, Sunday, Nov. 4, 2007. Getting the sick and injured out, and vital supplies like food and water in, replaced mass evacuations as the priority...   (Associated Press)
A view of a flooded area a helicopter's window, in Villahermosa, Mexico, Monday, Nov. 5, 2007. At least 20,000 people were still trapped Monday on the rooftops of homes swallowed by water in one of the worst floods in local history. Government officials worked furiously to distribute aid and...
A view of a flooded area a helicopter's window, in Villahermosa, Mexico, Monday, Nov. 5, 2007. At least 20,000 people were still trapped Monday on the rooftops of homes swallowed by water in one of...   (Associated Press)
A flood victim argues with a soldier while she lines up to receive food and water in Villahermosa, Mexico, Monday, Nov. 5, 2007. At least 20,000 people were still trapped Monday on the rooftops of homes swallowed by water in one of the worst floods in the history of...
A flood victim argues with a soldier while she lines up to receive food and water in Villahermosa, Mexico, Monday, Nov. 5, 2007. At least 20,000 people were still trapped Monday on the rooftops of homes...   (Associated Press)
A helicopter carries food to be distributed among flood victims in Villahermosa, eastern Mexico, Monday, Nov. 5, 2007. At least 20,000 people were still trapped Monday on the rooftops of homes swallowed by water in one of the worst floods in the history of oil-rich Tabasco state. (AP Photo/Marco...
A helicopter carries food to be distributed among flood victims in Villahermosa, eastern Mexico, Monday, Nov. 5, 2007. At least 20,000 people were still trapped Monday on the rooftops of homes swallowed...   (Associated Press)
A flood victim receives food for her baby girl in Villahermosa, eastern Mexico, Monday, Nov. 5, 2007. At least 20,000 people were still trapped Monday on the rooftops of homes swallowed by water in one of the worst floods in the history of oil-rich Tabasco state. (AP Photo/Eduardo Verdugo)
A flood victim receives food for her baby girl in Villahermosa, eastern Mexico, Monday, Nov. 5, 2007. At least 20,000 people were still trapped Monday on the rooftops of homes swallowed by water in one...   (Associated Press)
People unload supplies in the flooded city of Villahermosa, Mexico, Monday, Nov. 5, 2007. At least 20,000 people were still trapped Monday on the rooftops of homes swallowed by water in one of the worst floods in local history. Government officials worked furiously to distribute aid and vowed to...
People unload supplies in the flooded city of Villahermosa, Mexico, Monday, Nov. 5, 2007. At least 20,000 people were still trapped Monday on the rooftops of homes swallowed by water in one of the worst...   (Associated Press)
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Anger, looting on the rise
AFP

Waters recede as evacuation continues
Reuters

 
Mexico • Felipe Calderon • flood • rescue • Tabasco • disaster

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