Soldiers build a dam of sand bags at the town of Villahermosa, Mexico

Eight people have died and nearly one million are homeless in southern Mexico because of the worst floods in 50 years.

The department of civil defense in Chiapas state reported finding seven bodies between Friday and Saturday.  The dead included an undocumented Honduran immigrant.

Flood waters cover more than three quarters of the neighboring state of Tabasco, where one man died last week.

Authorities in Tabasco reported looting of grocery stores and shopping centers on Saturday.

The governor of Tabasco state, Andres Granier, said he knows people are hungry, but he said being hungry does not justify looting.

President Felipe Calderon has ordered the military to assist with rescue efforts.  International relief agencies, including the Red Cross and UNICEF, are also providing assistance.

Police and rescue workers are trying to reach thousands of stranded flood victims.

Health officials say they are concerned by the risk of water and mosquito-borne illnesses, particularly among children.

While the flood waters receded slightly Saturday in some areas, weather forecasters say more rain is possible.

Some information for this report provided by AP, Reuters and AFP.