Death toll from Tropical Storm Rachel rises to 8 in northwestern Mexico

The death toll from Tropical Storm Rachel in Mexico's northwestern state of Baja California has risen to eight, local authorities said Wednesday, reported Xinhua.

All eight deaths occurred in the municipality of Ensenada, the hardest hit by the storm over the weekend. Four of the victims were minors, according to local media reports.

Gen. Daniel Gallegos, commander of the Second Military Zone, said search efforts were continuing for two people who remained missing. He added that one minor had been found alive.

Baja California Governor Marina del Pilar Avila warned that the emergency "remains active" and urged residents to heed civil protection alerts and avoid crossing streams.

Mexico forecast 18 to 21 named cyclones in the Pacific this season, of which four to five could become major hurricanes.