Floods force 44,000 from homes in Mexico

updated 10:36 a.m. ET Nov. 4, 2009

VILLAHERMOSA, Mexico - Flooding after days of heavy rain along Mexico's Gulf Coast has forced more than 44,000 people from their homes.

Tabasco state Gov. Andres Granier says several rivers jumped their banks, flooding homes in more than 90 communities.

The federal government declared a state of emergency and troops were helping rescue people Tuesday.

Residents expressed frustration that government infrastructure projects have not prevented yearly flooding in Tabasco. In 2007, floods killed 33 people and inundated more than 1 million homes.

"Since the 2007 floods, they say are going to complete projects and once again we've been flooded. Every time the rivers swell, we lose everything," said Hipolito Escobar, a 58-year-old farmer.

More from msnbc.com   Clinic with two doors, a symbol of two-tier care   Patients face bitter choice: Pay up or lose access First Read: ‘Not there yet’ on health bill, Reid says America’s RV industry no longer running on empty On Twitter: Breaking news updates | Weird and wild

MORE FROM WEATHER

Weather Section Front

Storms disrupt travel around Reno, Nev.   Part of English town still swamped   Watch 3-day national forecast Parts of U.S. should see warmer December Britain sees record rain, 'biblical' flooding   Lightning storms, record heat in Australia Stronger winds coming from largest lake Weather Section Front   Add Weather headlines to your news reader: