Cleanup efforts are underway in southern Mexico following Hurricane Erick, a Category 3 storm that impacted Puerto Escondido among other locations. The storm caused flooding, power outages, and left debris in its wake, but no injuries or fatalities have been reported. As Erick weakens, rainfall is still a concern, with warnings of potential flooding and mudslides.
Cleanup efforts commenced Thursday in southern Mexico following the passage of Hurricane Erick, a powerful Category 3 hurricane that made landfall before weakening as it headed inland. In the popular tourist destination of Puerto Escondido located in Oaxaca state, local residents alongside emergency responders diligently worked to drain flooded streets and clear debris left in the hurricane’s wake, including uprooted trees and debris-covered beaches.
Residents of Puerto Escondido, a town with a population around 30,000, faced disruptions as much of the area was left without electricity and cell phone service. Luis Alberto Gil, a 44-year-old merchant whose shop was heavily impacted by flooding, described the unprecedented intensity of the water, noting, “The water had never hit with this magnitude.”
Fortunately, as of now, no fatalities or injuries have been reported from Puerto Escondido or elsewhere affected by the storm. The US National Hurricane Center indicated that as Erick continued its path across southern Mexico, it downgraded to a tropical storm. In its advisory issued at 2230 GMT, the center stated, “Continued rapid weakening is forecast, and Erick will likely dissipate tonight.”
While the storm loses strength, officials warned that heavy rainfall remains a concern in Guerrero state, raising risks for life-threatening flooding and mudslides in vulnerable areas. It’s important to remember that Mexico experiences a range of severe storms every year during the hurricane season, which spans from May through November across both its Pacific and Caribbean coasts.
Just last October, Acapulco—a significant port and resort town in Guerrero—was devasted by Hurricane Otis. That storm, categorized as a Category 5, resulted in numerous casualties. In fact, the previous year, Hurricane John, also a Category 3 storm, claimed about 15 lives. As of Thursday, Acapulco appeared nearly deserted, with many shops boarded up and tourist vessels stranded, illustrating the lingering effects of hurricane season on these coastal communities.
To summarize, cleanup operations are underway in southern Mexico after Hurricane Erick caused significant disruptions, particularly in Puerto Escondido, where flooding and power outages were widespread. While Erick has weakened, concerns remain over potential heavy rainfall and its impact on already vulnerable areas. The ongoing threats from hurricanes underscore the importance of preparedness as Mexico enters one of its stormiest periods of the year.
Original Source: www.wyomingnewsnow.tv
