FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 11/99 - MEXICO (2 November)
Torrential rains, flooding and mudslides in September and during the first half of October have seriously affected the central and southern parts of the country, particularly the states of Puebla, Veracruz, Hidalgo, Tabasco and some areas in Chiapas. A significant number of casualties is reported. A preliminary official report indicates that more than 270 000 people have been directly affected, including about 90 000 farmers and livestock raisers in an area of near 240 000 hectares. Prompt emergency assistance has been provided by the Government. It is reported that roads and basic infrastructure have been severely hit by the phenomenon. Harvesting of the important spring/summer maize crop had only started when the adverse weather struck. Although no major damage to maize growing fields has been so far reported, as the states most severely affected are not major producers of basic grains, some localized losses have been experienced, principally in the large growing state of Chiapas. Moreover, the outlook is favourable for the other major grain producing areas in the country. Maize production in 1999 is consequently expected to be about average. There is some probability of food shortfalls, however, in the most affected areas, but no food shortage is anticipated for the domestic market as a whole. Major export crops grown in the affected areas, such as sugar cane and citrus, have been affected, but only minor damage is reported according to preliminary assessments.
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