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.

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