In the wake of Hurricane Erick, a formidable Category 3 storm that made landfall along the southern coast, Mexico has launched extensive clean-up efforts, particularly in the tourist hotspot of Puerto Escondido, located in Oaxaca state. The storm caused widespread destruction, leaving the area without electricity or phone service and damaging infrastructure, including two hospitals.
Despite the storm's intensity, reports indicate there have been no fatalities or serious injuries. After reaching land, the hurricane's strength downgraded to Category 1; however, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) has cautioned that hazardous flooding and high winds are still expected as Erick travels further north. There are lingering threats of significant storm surges, with the environment ministry warning of waves potentially reaching 10 meters (33 feet).
Response teams, including hundreds of military personnel, have been deployed to assist in the clean-up in Puerto Escondido, where many roads have been inundated. Local merchant Luis Alberto Gil, whose shop suffered significant flooding, shared, “The water had never hit with this magnitude.”
State-owned utility company CFE reported over 120,000 residents in Oaxaca experienced power outages, with restoration efforts underway, affecting about a quarter of those impacted by late morning. Wind gusts in the region reached speeds of 125 mph (205 km/h) before subsiding to around 85 mph.
Farther north, the popular tourist destination of Acapulco largely stood empty as residents prepared for severe weather by securing their homes. Authorities expected dangerous conditions to persist, including potential flooding and mudslides across Oaxaca and portions of Guerrero. Following the devastation caused by Hurricane Otis earlier in 2023, President Claudia Sheinbaum urged citizens to seek higher ground, particularly those residing near rivers or in vulnerable low-lying areas, directing that around 2,000 shelters be established in Chiapas, Guerrero, and Oaxaca as a precaution.
As the NHC predicts rapid dissipation of Hurricane Erick, officials remain vigilant, monitoring local conditions and ensuring the safety of residents throughout the impacted areas.
Despite the storm's intensity, reports indicate there have been no fatalities or serious injuries. After reaching land, the hurricane's strength downgraded to Category 1; however, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) has cautioned that hazardous flooding and high winds are still expected as Erick travels further north. There are lingering threats of significant storm surges, with the environment ministry warning of waves potentially reaching 10 meters (33 feet).
Response teams, including hundreds of military personnel, have been deployed to assist in the clean-up in Puerto Escondido, where many roads have been inundated. Local merchant Luis Alberto Gil, whose shop suffered significant flooding, shared, “The water had never hit with this magnitude.”
State-owned utility company CFE reported over 120,000 residents in Oaxaca experienced power outages, with restoration efforts underway, affecting about a quarter of those impacted by late morning. Wind gusts in the region reached speeds of 125 mph (205 km/h) before subsiding to around 85 mph.
Farther north, the popular tourist destination of Acapulco largely stood empty as residents prepared for severe weather by securing their homes. Authorities expected dangerous conditions to persist, including potential flooding and mudslides across Oaxaca and portions of Guerrero. Following the devastation caused by Hurricane Otis earlier in 2023, President Claudia Sheinbaum urged citizens to seek higher ground, particularly those residing near rivers or in vulnerable low-lying areas, directing that around 2,000 shelters be established in Chiapas, Guerrero, and Oaxaca as a precaution.
As the NHC predicts rapid dissipation of Hurricane Erick, officials remain vigilant, monitoring local conditions and ensuring the safety of residents throughout the impacted areas.
