At a glance: Mexico

Funding appeals and humanitarian action updates

Immediate Needs for Children, Adolescents and Women Affected by Flooding in Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean
Following several days of torrential rains, including from the passage of Tropical Storm Noel (since upgraded to a hurricane), several countries in Central America and the Caribbean are facing severe floods, which have submerged entire villages and left thousands homeless and destitute. In some cases, such as in Mexico, these floods are the worst in decades. In other countries, such as in Haiti and Nicaragua, they are only the latest in a series of devastating floods to hit the region over the past few weeks. In Mexico, the worst flooding in more than 50 years has affected more than a million people, of whom more than a third are children. In the Dominican Republic, Tropical Storm Noel brought heavy and prolonged rainfall to much of the country over a period days, causing rivers to overflow their banks and major flooding to hit low-lying areas, as well as landslides and the destruction of bridges and roads in many areas. According to the latest official figures, 82 people have been killed and 43 are missing, 65,412 are displaced of which approximately 25,000 are living in shelters. 36% of this population is children. These figures are likely to rise, particularly as forecasts are calling for additional rains, which could cause further flooding and landslides. Other affected countries include Haiti, Honduras, and Nicaragua. UNICEF requires $3,260,000 to respond to the urgent needs of children and women in these flood-affected countries.
Immediate Needs for Children, Adolescents and Women Affected by Flooding in Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean, 3 November 2007 [pdf]

Humanitarian Assistance to Children and Women in Central America affected by the passage of Hurricane Stan
Hundreds of thousands of children across the region have been affected by flooding and landslides associated with the passage of hurricane Stan. They require urgent humanitarian assistance through interventions in health, nutrition, water and sanitation, protection and education. UNICEF requests $8,055,000 to sustain on-going relief efforts throughout the region. In Mexico the passage of hurricane Stan has struck five States (Chiapas, Veracruz, Oaxaca, Puebla and Hidalgo), with 449 municipalities declared in a state of emergency, with over 2 million persons directly affected by the hurricane. The effects of the hurricane have been most severe on Chiapas, which registered the majority of the 51 deaths so far confirmed. In Chiapas alone, close to 80,000 persons were moved to shelters. Damage to infrastructure has been extensive. UNICEF requests US$ 1,035,000 to respond to the needs of children and women in Mexico.
Central America Crisis Appeal 20 October 2005 [pdf]