The state of Tabasco is still in the grip of the worst floods in its history. The authorities estimate that 90% of the capital of Tabasco has been flooded, affecting over a million people, causing damage to crops and devastating livelihoods. The Mexican Red Cross has launched a major operation, with some 6,000 volunteers working in different parts of the country to receive donations at collection points. In Tabasco itself, volunteers are participating in relief operations to rescue people stranded by the floodwaters, provide medical assistance and ambulance services, evacuate people and provide assistance to those housed in shelters. Some 56,000 families have received food parcels, each one containing food supplies to meet the needs of a family of five for a week. They were also given drinking water and clothing.

"The situation is very serious, but the Red Cross is doing an excellent job. The mobilization of volunteers, the degree of coordination and disaster preparedness and response were up to the standard required by the emergency," said Stephen McAndrew, Head of the International Federation's Pan American Disaster Response Unit (PADRU), who is currently in Tabasco.

The Red Cross was quick to take action as soon as the emergency occurred, distributing 650 tonnes of relief supplies, mainly food parcels, clothing and water, to those affected by the floods. The National Humanitarian Aid Collection and Distribution Centre in the city of Toluca (Mexico) has over 350 tonnes of supplies ready to be shipped.

At least 500 private vehicles and vehicles belonging to the National Society, including heavy goods lorries, ambulances and four-wheel-drive vehicles, are participating in the operation. The water transport operation is being carried out in coordination with the local authorities, with the delivery of supplies to affected areas by boat. Twenty helicopters belonging to various government departments are also being used in the operation. Two of the helicopters are being directly coordinated by the Mexican Red Cross to carry out distribution and rescue operations.

"Once again the solidarity of the Mexican people has enabled us to provide assistance to those in need. Thanks to the contributions that we are receiving, we are able to meet the needs of the disaster victims. We are very grateful for the support and work undertaken by our volunteers and all those people who join us each day to help and contribute however they can," said Isaac Oxenhaut, Director of Disaster Relief at the Mexican Red Cross.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, through the PADRU, is assisting the Mexican Red Cross in coordinating operations. Emergency funds amounting to CHF 200,000 have already been allocated. Two PADRU delegates are in Villahermosa, working with the National Society to ensure an effective response to the emergency. Consideration is now being given to the necessity of launching an appeal for international aid to meet the needs of the people once the flood waters have begun to recede.

According to official figures, 966 localities in the 17 municipalities of Tabasco have been affected, and there are now 463 shelters throughout the state housing 96,000 people.

October is usually a rainy month for the inhabitants of Tabasco, but this year the state received four times the normal amount of rainfall. This natural phenomenon was exacerbated by the release of water from the dams of the Peñitas hydroelectric power plant in the state of Chiapas, which caused a progressive and excessive increase in water levels.