Blinkx Video: MEXICO: Thousands evacuate Tabasco Mexico where heavy rains left most of the state under water

MEXICO: Thousands evacuate Tabasco Mexico where heavy rains left most of the state under water
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MEXICO: Thousands evacuate Tabasco Mexico where heavy rains left most of the state under water

Over 800,000 people are homeless and others are trapped in the Mexican state of Tabasco on Saturday (November 3) after heavy rains have left much of the state flooded. Local residents-- many of whom were carrying bags of food-- could be seen walking through the murky flood waters along the streets of Villahermosa after rivers surrounding the state capital overflowed its banks. The dramatic images are even more poignant on a personal level. This is Susana Torres. When the water levels began rising, she couldn't make it back to her house. On Saturday, she retuned to her neighborhood in a boat trying to find her relatives. "We are the only who live there and they hadn't go out mister, they hadn't left the place," Torres said as she pleaded with the boatsman. Torres sobbed as she reluctantly left the house, unable to enter. With stores out of merchandise, thousands lined up to receive basic food and supplies. Governor Andres Granier said more than 1 million people-- about half of the state's population-- was affected by the flooding and he asked for international aid. "We are going to overcome this tragedy, we are on our feet, we are not going to give up," he said. "I would like to make a call to the people, to all the world, ask them to turn their eyes to Tabasco, to Mexico, and ask them to send the aid we need, the aid from all the countries of the world that New Orleans received at its moment." President Felipe Calderon said Mexico's entire air force was engaged in an airlift to ferry supplies into Villahermosa and get residents out. Hundreds still tried to leave the capital by bus or car. Heavy traffic jams could be seen along the flooded, damaged highways surrounding the city. Soldiers and policemen were guarding the city, protecting abandoned houses and shops. The floods were triggered by storms that have wreaked havoc in the oil industry along Mexico's Gulf coast.

ITN Source | November 4, 2007