Tropical storm Fernand kills 13, weakens to depression in Mexico

VERACRUZ, Mexico Landslides triggered by torrential rains dumped by the remnants of Tropical Storm Fernand killed at least 13 people in Veracruz state, authorities said Monday as the storm weakened to a tropical depression and carried heavy rains inland over eastern Mexico.

Nine people died in the town of Yecuatla, three in the port city of Tuxpan and one more in the town of Atzalan, Veracruz Gov. Javier Duarte said.

A landslide of rock and mud swept onto four homes in the village of Roca de Oro, which is part of the town of Yecuatla, killing nine people in their sleep before dawn Monday.

Duarte advised resident to continue to take precautionary measures since the tropical depression continued to cause rain.

"We will remain alert because of the rains" still falling, Duarte said

At least 10 towns were isolated because 16 landslides blocked roads throughout the state, civil protection authorities said in a statement. They said more than 400 people were in shelters set up by the government.

In the metropolitan area of Veracruz city and neighboring Boca del Rio, workers were restoring electricity to about 40 percent of the region's households.

The government of Veracruz state advised its 7.7 million residents to stay home, and suspended classes in the state to protect children from venturing out into winds and rain.

The system's maximum sustained winds late Monday afternoon had decreased to near 30 mph (45 kph), several hours after making landfall. Fernand was centered about 75 miles (125 kilometers) west-southwest of Tuxpan and moving to the west-northwest at about 9 mph (15 kph).