15 killed in flash flood in northern Mexico

[TexasStooge]

Associated Press/The Dallas Morning News

PIEDRAS NEGRAS, Mexico - A flash flood swept through two border communities in northern Mexico early Monday, flooding rivers, washing away houses and killing 15 people. Dozens more were reported missing.

Rescue helicopters from the U.S. Border Patrol helped pluck survivors from rooftops after the flood waters rose over the only bridge that connects Piedras Negras and Villa de Fuente with other towns in northern Coahuila state. The towns are just across the border from Eagle Pass, Texas, and about 150 miles southwest of San Antonio, Texas.

Pounding rains at dawn forced the Escondido River to rise 25 feet in 15 minutes, flooding hundreds of houses. At least 15 were reported dead, and 40 others were 40 missing. Officials said they feared the death toll would rise.

"We are in a state of emergency and evacuating everyone in the area to avoid further risk," said Civil Protection representative Rafael Sandoval Hernandez.

Piedras Negras Mayor Claudio Bres and Coahuila governor Enrique Martinez were to tour the area later Monday to review the damages.