Rain, floods after hurricane:

Rescue efforts continue

MEXICO: Rescue teams scoured eastern Mexico in search for victims Saturday after Hurricane Karl hit the area, claiming two lives and battering it with heavy winds and rains. But even though it came ashore as a powerful category three hurricane, it quickly dissipated over local mountain ranges.

The storm arrived as Mexico reeled under one of its wettest seasons on record, forcing oil rigs to be evacuated and a nuclear plant to be shut down.

“There is absolutely no risk” at Mexico’s only nuclear generator in Laguna Verde since all security measures were taken, said Laura Gurza, national civil protection director. Karl hit Friday afternoon, just north of the port of Veracruz, striking land just four miles (seven kilometers) from the nuclear power station.

As officials opened hostels with room for thousands of people, many hunkered down in their homes, sticking adhesive tape on windows and blocking doors with furniture.

A 61-year-old woman and a two-year-old girl were killed in Puebla state after the roof of their house collapsed on them, authorities said.

AFP