Thousands evacuated as Mexico braces for storm

Thousands evacuated as Mexico braces for storm

The government of Chiapas evacuates 16,000 people as tropical depression Boris approaches northern states.

World Bulletin / News Desk

At least 16,000 people have been evacuated in northern Mexico as tropical depression Boris bears down on the region.

Boris, which was earlier downgraded from a tropical storm, is expected to make landfall in the states of Chiapas and Oaxaca on Wednesday, bringing torrential rain.

The Governor of Chiapas, Manuel Velasco said: "We’re going to have days of intense rain. We expect a precipitation of 250 millimeters per day - about 500 millimeters in 48 hours."

“In Chiapas we evacuated families of the zones of the Istmo-Costa, Soconusco, Frailesca and Sierra."

The National Coordination of Civil Protection said 42 municipalities in Chiapas had been put on emergency.

Evacuation call

Velasco asked people who lived in high-risk areas to take refuge in local government hostels.

The Mexican Navy and Army, are preparing to assist federal and local governments in aiding the civil population.

The National Commission of Water said Chiapas, Tabasco, the south of Veracruz, Campeche and the east of Oaxaca will have torrential rains throughout Wednesday.

The institution said the rains will continue in the states, and Quintana Roo, until 6 June.

Rains are also expected to strengthen across the south of the Gulf of Mexico.

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