Severe flooding hits eastern and southern Mexico

Weeks of heavy rain have brought widespread flooding to large areas of eastern and southern Mexico.

Among the most severely affected areas is Tlacotalpan, a colonial-era town declared a world heritage site.

Most of Tlacotalpan's residents have left the town to seek shelter elsewhere in the state of Veracruz, Mexican officials said.

The torrential rains and subsequent flooding have also affected the states of Oaxaca, Tabasco and Chiapas.