Soldiers in Villahermosa build a dam to stem rising waters

The state of Tabasco is suffering its worst flooding in more than 50 years, with most of the state under water, 1m people affected and at least one death.

The state governor has urged anyone who owns a boat to help the rescue efforts, alongside army and navy crews.

President Felipe Calderon said the situation was "extraordinarily grave".

"It's one of the worst natural disasters in the history of the country," he said in a televised address on Thursday night.

Appealing for Mexicans to help by donating supplies, he said many people had "lost their homes, their belongings, their crops and the means to maintain their children".

He added: "Others remain in their homes but with no access to food, water or medicine."

 Source : BBC News