Mexican national Guard aids towns isolated by flood that killed 70

XOCHICOATLÁN - The Mexican National Guard sent supplies on Thursday to flood-hit communities, after heavy rains killed 70 people and left dozens missing.

The military-run organisation carried out several flights from Pachuca, the capital of Hidalgo, to various disconnected areas, including Tianguistengo and Xalacahuantla.

Residents of the Texcaco community in Xochicoatlan lined up near an aircraft after it landed, and several children watched curiously as soldiers unloaded and handed out supplies.

"We don't have anything left to buy in the stores," Marilyn Cortes, a 37-year-old resident of Xochicoatlan, told AFP.

"Honestly, this will be very helpful for us. We really need it. This is already hope for us."

Provisions included tuna, milk, oatmeal, toilet paper and soap, among other essentials.

In addition to delivering supplies, the National Guard is also moving injured people to hospitals.

"If there are injured people or someone who needs medication or extra help requiring a hospital, we transport them by air," said Air Force Captain Irak Alejandro Martínez.

The disaster, which began last week with days of exceptionally intense rainfall, left 160 localities in the center and east of the country isolated after roads and highways were blocked or destroyed.

Hidalgo, which neighbors Mexico City has 84 disconnected municipalities, many of them located in mountainous regions where access roads were damaged by landslides.