Rains have flooded the homes of more than 200,000 people along Mexico's Gulf coast, leaving authorities struggling to reach all those affected.

The flooding in eastern Tabasco state has worsened over the past week as rain persists and more rivers burst their banks.

State Governor Andres Granier said 200,000 people whose homes are flooded "are in a desperate situation". He added that many have ignored pleas to move to shelters.

An estimated 20,000 people were in 100 shelters set up by the state. Others, however, set up makeshift tents on dry land near their soaked homes, fearing looting.