MEXICO:A huge rescue operation began in southern Mexico yesterday, with rescue workers in boats, helicopters and military trucks striving to bring relief to almost a million people whose homes have been overwhelmed by the worst floods in the area in at least half a century.
President Felipe Calderon appealed for donations of everything from tin openers to generators, and called the crisis in Tabasco state "one of the worst disasters in the history of the country".
State governor Andres Granier said the floods had directly affected 900,000 people. Half a million had been made homeless, and of these, 300,000 still needed rescuing. With many of the buildings designated as shelters now also under water, Mr Granier said the authorities were desperately trying to find other accommodation to cope with displaced people. The state capital, Villahermosa, is among the worst hit areas; built in a kind of bowl below sea level, it prompts comparisons with New Orleans.