Mexico City, July 4 (IANS) Torrential rains in Mexico triggered by tropical storm Arlene has led to the death of at least 16 people while 20,000 have been affected across the country, officials said.

The storm has created havoc in the states of Tamaulipas, Veracruz, Hidalgo, Puebla and San Luis Potosi, Xinhua reported.

Hidalgo state civil protection director Miguel Garcia said seven people have died in his region, while 1,000 people had to be evacuated because of landslides.

Authorities in the state of Mexico in the central part of the country have reported five deaths including that of two children due to rains.