Cleanup operations have commenced in southern Mexico after Hurricane Erick struck, initially as a Category 3 storm. No fatalities have been reported, but substantial material damage was logged, and many areas lack electricity. Warnings remain in effect for further flooding and mudslides, as officials assess the situation and provide shelter for those affected.
Cleanup efforts commenced in southern Mexico on Thursday following the impact of Hurricane Erick, which struck the Pacific coast as a Category 3 storm before weakening on its way inland. In Puerto Escondido, a popular tourist spot in Oaxaca state, residents and emergency officials worked diligently to remove debris and drain areas flooded by the storm. Reports of damage included downed trees and street signs as well as boats that had become buried under sand.
Fortunately, reports indicate no deaths or injuries were sustained during the storm. However, the community, which has about 30,000 residents, faced significant disruptions, including loss of electricity and cellphone service. “The water had never hit with this magnitude,” shared Luis Alberto Gil, a 44-year-old merchant whose shop was impacted, highlighting the unprecedented nature of the event.
In response to the aftermath of Erick, the government has mobilized hundreds of troops and utility workers to aid in the cleanup process. The storm was downgraded to a Category 1 but warnings from the US National Hurricane Center (NHC) indicated that the heavy rain and strong winds could continue as the storm moved northward. Winds reached a maximum of 125 mph (205 km/h) in the early hours of Thursday before tapering off to 85 mph (140 km/h).
Officials maintained alerts for hazardous flooding and mudslides in Oaxaca and Guerrero, and NHC cautioned that a perilous, life-threatening storm surge could lead to coastal flooding and significant waves. Schools, airports, and ports, including those in Acapulco, were temporarily closed, with essential services suspended. States like Michoacan, Colima, and Jalisco also faced rain impacts from the storm.
According to the latest advisory from the NHC, further weakening of the storm was predicted, with a possibility of complete dissipation later in the evening. Mexico’s civil protection agency confirmed that by Thursday afternoon, there were reports of some material damage but thankfully no fatalities had been recorded. A more extensive evaluation will be conducted as soon as conditions permit.
In terms of context, Mexico experiences storms annually between May and November, predominantly along its Pacific and Caribbean coasts. When Hurricane Otis made landfall in October 2023, it wreaked havoc in Acapulco, resulting in numerous fatalities. Additionally, Hurricane John struck in September of the previous year as a Category 3, resulting in around 15 deaths.
President Claudia Sheinbaum urged residents to stay indoors and advised those in lower-lying areas or near rivers to seek shelter. Approximately 2,000 shelters were prepared across Chiapas, Guerrero, and Oaxaca in anticipation of the storm’s onslaught. “Since (Erick) just made landfall, we are in contact with the Defense (department) and the Navy regarding the effects on communities,” she noted in her Thursday briefing.
Despite warnings, some tourists in Puerto Escondido opted to remain and endure the storm, as businesses were closed in anticipation of bad weather. Meanwhile, Acapulco, known for its vibrant nightlife and as a critical port, was eerily quiet as residents took precautions against the storm, with shops boarded up and tourist boats grounded as people ensured they had enough supplies for the duration.
In summary, Hurricane Erick has left significant aftermath in southern Mexico, particularly in Oaxaca where cleanup efforts are underway. Thankfully, no fatalities have been reported thus far, though extensive material damage has occurred. As the storm continues to weaken, the focus has shifted to recovery, while warnings regarding heavy rains and mudslides remain in effect.
Original Source: www.kpvi.com
