Mexico: Initial reaction from Oxfam on the Oaxaca mudslides

Silvia Mancilla, Spokesperson of Oxfam Mexico said:

"It's hard to get precise information at this stage on the number of people that are missing. The local government sent rescue teams in the morning from Oaxaca City but as of this afternoon they have not been able to access the area. Access is extremely difficult and dangerous. Helicopters are struggling to land as heavy rainfalls continue in the region.

"People are very anxious for rescue teams to arrive but it's hard to access the area even by car. The landslide happened about 130 km from Oaxaca City.

"Oxfam Mexico is in contact with a local partner on the ground and will assess whether it will send a team and start responding to this disaster shortly.

"We have been working non-stop the last 10 days to respond to the floods that are affecting other parts of Oaxaca as well as the provinces of Veracruz, Tabasco and Chiapas. This landslide is a direct consequence from weeks of non-stop heavy rain in the country."

Note: Local authorities (Oaxaca Civil Protection) now confirms that seven people died and more than 100 people are missing.