October 22, 2008 4:44 pm by PNU
MEXICO CITY, Oct. 21 — The Usumacinta River, snaking through Mexico's southeast state of Tabasco, burst its banks after heavy rains, driving 34,500 people out of their homes by far, authorities reported Tuesday.
The flood, triggered by heavy rains in the nearby state of Chiapas and in Guatemala, has damaged houses and ravaged farmlands in four municipalities and 165 rural communities in the area, the Civil Protection Office of Tabasco said Tuesday.
"The most important thing is to provide refuge for affected families," said Rurico Dominguez, director of the Civil Protection Office.
He added that they have built some 20 shelters in four municipalities, which has received more than 1,000 families.
The Usumacinta River is one of the largest rivers in Mexico. The water rose above its historical level and surpassed two meters of its critical scale within 24 hours.
The state of Tabasco suffered from heavy flood in 2007, during which the Usumacinta River also swelled and left hundreds of people homeless. (PNA/Xinhua)