As Hurricane Erick intensifies, it is projected to make landfall in Mexico as a powerful Category 4 storm come Thursday. The storm has already triggered flash floods, school closures, and evacuations in southern states, particularly in Oaxaca and Guerrero. Reports indicate that the storm is likely to strike west of Puerto Escondido, with its powerful winds and heavy rain bringing about a dangerous storm surge.
In response to the storm's approach, Mexico's Civil Protection authorities have declared a red alert, the highest level of weather-related risk. This warning spans a 300-mile stretch of coastline, extending from Puerto Ángel in Oaxaca to Acapulco in Guerrero.
The Mexican government has mobilized over 2,000 temporary shelters across Guerrero, Oaxaca, and Chiapas. President Claudia Sheinbaum has advised residents in affected areas to remain indoors, particularly those near rivers and low-lying regions. As of Wednesday, more than 100 evacuees, primarily fishermen and those working in tourism, have taken refuge in local schools.
The storm has already caused considerable damage, evidenced by flooded streets in Salina Cruz, a significant port city in Oaxaca, leaving vehicles marooned. Local authorities are actively assisting stranded motorists and clearing debris from transport routes. Ahead of Erick’s landfall, community members and business owners in Puerto Escondido have taken proactive measures, boarding up windows and securing properties. Tourists are being urged to remain in their accommodations.
Hurricane Erick’s rapid intensification has raised alarms with tremendous winds capable of uprooting trees and damaging property. With ongoing monitoring of local rivers and dams, authorities are cautioning residents about potential flash floods.
This year's Pacific hurricane season has already seen Erick becoming the fifth named storm in the Eastern Pacific. The Pacific hurricane season, mirroring its Atlantic counterpart, remains active until November 30. The region's vulnerability to hurricanes was starkly illustrated in 2023 when Hurricane Otis, a Category 5 storm, wreaked havoc, resulting in over 50 fatalities and severe destruction in Acapulco.
In response to the storm's approach, Mexico's Civil Protection authorities have declared a red alert, the highest level of weather-related risk. This warning spans a 300-mile stretch of coastline, extending from Puerto Ángel in Oaxaca to Acapulco in Guerrero.
The Mexican government has mobilized over 2,000 temporary shelters across Guerrero, Oaxaca, and Chiapas. President Claudia Sheinbaum has advised residents in affected areas to remain indoors, particularly those near rivers and low-lying regions. As of Wednesday, more than 100 evacuees, primarily fishermen and those working in tourism, have taken refuge in local schools.
The storm has already caused considerable damage, evidenced by flooded streets in Salina Cruz, a significant port city in Oaxaca, leaving vehicles marooned. Local authorities are actively assisting stranded motorists and clearing debris from transport routes. Ahead of Erick’s landfall, community members and business owners in Puerto Escondido have taken proactive measures, boarding up windows and securing properties. Tourists are being urged to remain in their accommodations.
Hurricane Erick’s rapid intensification has raised alarms with tremendous winds capable of uprooting trees and damaging property. With ongoing monitoring of local rivers and dams, authorities are cautioning residents about potential flash floods.
This year's Pacific hurricane season has already seen Erick becoming the fifth named storm in the Eastern Pacific. The Pacific hurricane season, mirroring its Atlantic counterpart, remains active until November 30. The region's vulnerability to hurricanes was starkly illustrated in 2023 when Hurricane Otis, a Category 5 storm, wreaked havoc, resulting in over 50 fatalities and severe destruction in Acapulco.
