Rainstorms threaten Mexico's Pacific coast

MEXICO CITY, Aug. 31 (Xinhua) -- Mexico"s National Meteorological Service (SMN) warned Tuesday that most of the Pacific coast and some central areas would be hit by severe rainstorms.

The warning was issued after officials in the east coast state Veracruz said that over 100,000 people had suffered from injuries or property damage due to rain and flooding. The state"s UNESCO World Heritage Site Tlacotalpan, a town built along the Papaloapan River, was evacuated Monday because of the overflowing river.

Besides Veracruz, the SMN issued rainstorm warnings for the southern states of Guerrero, Oaxaca, Chiapas and western central Michoacan state, saying mountain areas in the south are especially vulnerable while southern Pacific coast states will have high waves.

The National Civil Protection System said recent rainfall had damaged 24,000 houses in 48 towns in Veracruz, and 28 rivers had burst their banks.

Veracruz, downstream of Chiapas and Oaxaca, often suffers floodings.