Death toll from Tropical Storm Rachel rises to 8 in Mexico

At least eight people have died after Tropical Storm Rachel swept along Mexico's Pacific coast, according to an updated toll from government authorities on Wednesday.

People watch a rainbow over the Pacific Ocean in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco state, Mexico, on October 12, 2026, as Hurricane Simon moves off Mexico's Pacific coast. Photo by ULISES RUIZ / AFP

Since last week, the storm has brought rain and flooding to the northwestern state of Baja California, which borders the United States.

The Mexican army and navy are continuing search and rescue operations while two other people remain missing, military officials said during a press conference.

Four deaths had been reported as of Monday, when officials also reported 32 people had been rescued by helicopter.

This year's hurricane season in the Pacific Ocean is expected to be more intense due to the El Nino weather phenomenon, which warms surface waters and disrupts wind and rainfall patterns.

Source: Citizen Digital