Journey to the epicenter of Mexico's floods: Poza Rica calls for aid, and fast

"The light is back, the light is back! The euphoric shouts of neighbors in Ignacio de la Llave, Poza Rica, in the Mexican state of Veracruz, ring out. It is Tuesday and four days have passed since the Cazones river overflowed with devastating force, and only now are some sectors beginning to get back their electricity. The community's residents run to charge their phones."

"Wall are still wet, there is mud up to their knees and the smell of rotting animals under earth and sun is inescapable. In this area, one of the most affected by the floods, disaster is as present as if the waters had risen just last night. Assistance and the authorities have been late to arrive, say the inhabitants of Ignacio de la Llave. Rubber boots have become part of the daily uniform of the Pozarricenses, along with brooms and shovels."

"A convoy of about 15 water tankers and trucks carrying supplies travels along the highway toward Poza Rica. The vehicles bear signs with large letters announcing Solidarity support from Mexico City to Veracruz. Still, residents say that they have yet to receive any assistance. Houses flooded by the overflowing of the Cazones river.Carlo Echegoyen With the first rays of the sun, flood survivors begin their new daily routine of attempting to clean where it looks like a tornado has passed."

Severe flooding from the overflow of the Cazones river inundated Poza Rica and surrounding communities, with water rising up to 13 feet in some places. Electricity was restored to some sectors only four days after the flood, prompting euphoric reactions as residents rushed to charge surviving devices. Streets and homes remain soaked and muddy, with the smell of rotting animals pervasive under sun and earth. Residents report delayed assistance and limited government response, while volunteers and convoys of supplies travel toward the area. Daily routines now include cleaning, salvaging items, and using rubber boots, brooms, and shovels to cope with damage.

Read at english.elpais.com