Mexico storm death toll rises to 80: Official

A soldier stands in a flooded neighbourhood in Acapulco September 18, 2013. The death toll from storms that have swept across Mexico rose to 80 on Wednesday, a civil protection official said. -- PHOTO: REUTERS
A soldier stands in a flooded neighbourhood in Acapulco September 18, 2013. The death toll from storms that have swept across Mexico rose to 80 on Wednesday, a civil protection official said. -- PHOTO: REUTERS
Published
Sep 19, 2013, 6:10 am SGT

ACAPULCO, Mexico (AFP) - The death toll from storms that have swept across Mexico rose to 80 on Wednesday, a civil protection official said.

"The number of deaths has regrettably risen, we have 80 for the moment" in a dozen states, national civil protection director general Ricardo de la Cruz told a news conference.

Separately, the mayor of the municipality of Atoyac, Edilberto Tabares, said at least 18 people were killed in a landslide that struck 30 homes in the mountain village of La Pintada.

He added that 50 to 60 more people may be trapped in the rubble.

Interior Minister Miguel Angel Osorio Chong, however, said federal authorities have yet to confirm any deaths but that pictures from the area were "not encouraging."

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