Pantepec River facts for kids

The Pantepec River is an important river in Mexico. It is part of the larger Tuxpan River system. This river flows towards the Gulf of Mexico. Many people consider the Pantepec River to be the beginning, or upper part, of the Tuxpan River.

Journey of the Pantepec River

The Pantepec River starts its journey in the mountains of Hidalgo state. It then flows through the Sierra Norte de Puebla mountain range. Next, it enters the state of Puebla. Finally, it reaches the flat coastal area in Veracruz state.

After joining with the Vinazco River, the Pantepec River changes its name. From that point, it becomes known as the Tuxpan River. The Tuxpan River then flows into the Gulf of Mexico. This happens near the city of Tuxpan, in Veracruz.

River Length and Water Sources

The Pantepec River is about 130 kilometers (81 miles) long. Its waters come from springs on the eastern side of the Sierra Madre Oriental mountains. As it flows towards the Gulf of Mexico, many smaller rivers and streams join it. These come from the Sierra Norte region of Puebla.

Flooding and Safety

The area around the Pantepec River gets a lot of rain. Because of this, the river can sometimes overflow its banks. This usually happens during the rainy season. These floods can cause big problems for local communities.

For example, in October 1999, the Pantepec River flooded heavily. It washed away several homes in Huehuetla, Hidalgo. The floods also affected many people in the state of Puebla. When the Pantepec River overflows, the soft soil on the mountain slopes can break away. This creates a risk for people living nearby. The highest risk for floods is usually between June and October. This is when the region receives the most rainfall.

See also

• List of rivers of Mexico

In Spanish: Río Pantepec para niños