Torrential rains leave at least 32 dead, 40 missing in northern Mexico

PIEDRAS NEGRAS, Mexico (AFP) Apr 05, 2004
Heavy rains across the northern Mexican state of Coahuila over the weekend left at least 32 people dead and 40 missing, officials said Monday.

At least 3,500 people were forced from their homes by the torrents, said director of civil protection for Coahuila, Sergio Robles.

"It has been confirmed that 17 people died in Villa de Fuentes," close to the US border with Mexico, according to Robles. The 17 all drowned to death.

"We are searching the zone for more victims," Robles said.

Another 15 people died at Nueva Rosita, also in Coalilha.

Officials said flood waters at Villa de Fuentes reached a height of 50 centimeters (20 inches).

Several districts were flooded by the Escondido River, with damage also to an important bridge that links Piedras Negras to the border with the US state of Texas, the official said.

Piedras Negras is about 1,000 kilometers (630 miles) north of Mexico City.

TERRA.WIRE