Mexico besieged by storms

Over 5,000 have been evacuated in Mexico as two severe weather fronts have sieged the Gulf of Mexico.

Two storms are battering the country from opposite directions. Hurricane Ingrid has registered 120km/h winds and is expected to hit Mexico's eastern shores within days. This is the second major hurricane this season.

From the West, Tropical Storm Manoel double the Gulf's monthly rainfall in under three days

The worst hit areas are the states of Oaxaca, Guerrero, and Chihuahua, with the storms severing communications and energy lines. Chiapas and Veracruz are two of the states that have already witnessed severe destruction, however the port of Veracruz remained open until the last moments when storm hit.

The majority of the evacuated people are staying in official emergency shelters. Authorities are urging residents to seek refuge with families further inland.

Numerous communities are expected to be severely effected by the storms, particularly Hurricane Ingrid due to flash floods, mudslides and abnormal tide levels. Landslides have already claimed the life of 13 people in Veracruz, in the past days.