At least 7 people have lost their lives and 9 are still missing after flash floods in the state of Jalisco, Mexico.

Floods in Autlán de Navarro, Jalisco, Mexico, September 2023. Photo: Government of Jalisco

According to the state’s Civil Protection, flash flooding occurred after the sudden rise of the El Jalocote stream through a small settlement of around 200 inhabitants in the municipality of Autlán de Navarro on 25 September 2023.

As of late 25 September levels of the stream had fallen, allowing emergency personnel to assess the damage. Civil Protection gave a preliminary balance of 7 fatalities, 9 missing and 3 rescued. Officials also reported severe damage to roads and homes.

Search and rescue operations are continuing in the area, with the help of rescue dogs, drones and a medical helicopter.

On 25 September the Secretary General of the Government of Jalisco, Enrique Ibarra, travelled to Autlán de Navarro to tour the affected areas with the mayor of Autlán de Navarro, Gustavo Robles.

In a later update, Civil Protection reported 5 homes and a school were severely damaged along with several roads in the area. The number of fatalities increased to eight, while the number feared missing fell to three.

Floods in Autlán de Navarro, Jalisco, Mexico, September 2023. Photo: Protección Civil Jalisco

Floods in Autlán de Navarro, Jalisco, Mexico, September 2023. Photo: Protección Civil Jalisco