Authorities raced to evacuate hundreds of people using helicopters and amphibious vehicles, hoping to save them from the growing threat of mudslides and floodwaters after nearly two weeks of rain.
The evacuation was concentrated Sunday in areas under the brimming Rodriguez Dam in southeastern Tijuana, where water was pouring through the hatches, flooding underlying canyons.More than 100 people were killed by an uncontrolled rush of water from the dam during a similar storm 15 years ago.
This month's storms have claimed at least 25 lives, including six children and two adults killed in a torrent of mud and water when the Tijuana River overflowed Saturday. The rain was expected to continue Monday.
On Sunday, a mother and her son jumped off a bridge to avoid an oncoming train and fell into the raging river. They were last seen being swept downstream.
About 4,400 people have been taken to shelters since a series of fierce storms began earlier this month, said Gabriel Rosas, spokesman for the Baja California government.
Soldiers evacuated more than 1,100 people Sunday.
Relief workers were going house to house in the most inundated neighborhoods, looking for those who might be in need.