Southern Mexico is beginning cleanup operations after Hurricane Erick, which originally struck as a powerful Category 3 storm but weakened to a tropical storm. The hurricane caused significant flooding and damage, especially in Puerto Escondido, where streets were flooded and debris scattered. Fortunately, no deaths or injuries have been reported. Heavy rainfall threats still loom as the region continues to contend with storm impacts annually.
Cleanup efforts kicked off on Thursday in southern Mexico, following the passage of Hurricane Erick, which made landfall as a robust Category 3 storm. It has, however, significantly weakened as it moved further inland. In Puerto Escondido—a popular tourist destination in Oaxaca state—townsfolk and emergency crews scrambled to pump out water from streets inundated by the storm and to clear away the debris left behind. The hurricane uprooted trees, toppled street signs, and buried boats beneath heaps of sand along the beach, creating a challenging scene for the community of about 30,000.
Many areas in Puerto Escondido were left in the dark, experiencing power outages and loss of cellphone coverage. Luis Alberto Gil, a local shop owner, described the flooding as unprecedented. “The water had never hit with this magnitude” in Puerto Escondido, he told AFP. Fortunately, as of now, no deaths or injuries have been reported in the storm-affected areas, including Puerto Escondido.
By Thursday, Hurricane Erick had been downgraded to a tropical storm. The U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) reported, “Continued rapid weakening is forecast, and Erick will likely dissipate tonight,” through its latest advisory, which was shared at 2230 GMT. The NHC also cautioned about the potential for severe rainfall in Guerrero state, which could lead to dangerous flooding and mudslides.
Major storms are a yearly occurrence in Mexico, typically between May and November, affecting both Pacific and Caribbean coasts. Just last month, in October 2023, the port city of Acapulco in Guerrero faced devastation from Hurricane Otis, a fierce Category 5 storm that resulted in numerous fatalities. Similarly, Hurricane John, a Category 3 storm, took a toll last September, leading to approximately 15 deaths.
As cleanup efforts continue, Acapulco remained largely abandoned on Thursday, with shops shuttered and tourist boats grounded, reflecting the aftermath of these recent hurricane threats.
In summary, Hurricane Erick’s passage prompted immediate cleanup in southern Mexico, particularly in Puerto Escondido. Despite the storm’s strength, thankfully, no casualties were reported. With the hurricane dissipating, warnings for potential flooding and mudslides still linger, serving as a reminder of the region’s ongoing vulnerability to severe storms. The annual storm season continues to be a critical concern for coastal communities in Mexico.
Original Source: www.wyomingnewsnow.tv
