Originally published by the Voice of America (www.voanews.com).
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November 4, 2007

Eight Dead, One Million Homeless in Mexico Floods
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http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=1A21050:A6F02AD83191E1601318753BFFFC64DFB3350E090FE6A6E8 Region around
Mexican state of Tabasco suffers worst flooding in 50 years





Soldiers build a dam of sand bags at the town of Villahermosa, Mexico

Eight people have died and nearly one million are homeless in southern
Mexico because of the worst floods in 50 years.

The department of civil defense in Chiapas state reported finding
seven bodies between Friday and Saturday.  The dead included an
undocumented Honduran immigrant.

Flood waters cover more than three quarters of the neighboring state
of Tabasco, where one man died last week.

Authorities in Tabasco reported looting of grocery stores and shopping
centers on Saturday.

The governor of Tabasco state, Andres Granier, said he knows people
are hungry, but he said being hungry does not justify looting.

President Felipe Calderon has ordered the military to assist with
rescue efforts.  International relief agencies, including the Red
Cross and UNICEF, are also providing assistance.

Police and rescue workers are trying to reach thousands of stranded
flood victims.

Health officials say they are concerned by the risk of water and
mosquito-borne illnesses, particularly among children.

While the flood waters receded slightly Saturday in some areas,
weather forecasters say more rain is possible.

Some information for this report provided by AP, Reuters and AFP.




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