DHAKA: At least 19 people have been killed in Mexico, which is being battered by two powerful storms.

Hurricane Ingrid has caused floods and sent thousands to emergency shelter on Mexico’s Gulf Coast. It is expected to make landfall later on Monday.

On the Pacific coast, Tropical Storm Manuel has brought two days of torrential rains and caused widespread damage.

The area around the seaside resort of Acapulco has been badly affected.

The severe weather led to the cancellation of Independence Day celebrations in many Mexican towns.

Thousands of people have been forced to leave their homes.

On the Gulf of Mexico, more than 6,000 people have been evacuated ahead of Hurricane Ingrid - a category one storm.

It already has winds of 120km/h (75mph), causing widespread damage particularly in Veracruz and Tamaulipas states.

Tropical Storm Manuel has hit the western coast, on the Pacific Ocean, bringing almost twice the monthly rainfall in just three days.

The states of Oaxaca and Guerrero have been the worst hit with some road and telecommunications links down.

The city of Ciudad Juarez in Chihuahua state also suffered heavy rain from a separate storm system, causing flooding on roads.

Source: bbc
BDST: 0845 HRS, SEP 16, 2013
SR/BSK