Hurricane Erick slams Mexico’s coast
Hurricane Erick struck Mexico's Pacific coast causing extensive damage as it made landfall near Santiago Pinotepa Nacional. Classified as a Category 3 storm with winds reaching 250 km/h, it is the earliest major hurricane on record to hit this region. The storm devastated coastal areas, particularly in Puerto Escondido, where lifeguard towers collapsed and beaches were littered with debris. Local fishermen reported significant losses, with 25 to 30 fishing boats either damaged or destroyed.
Restaurants along the coast suffered severe impacts, with many reduced to rubble and outdoor furniture swept away by the storm surge. The U.S. National Hurricane Center indicated that the storm would continue to move inland, bringing destructive winds and heavy rainfall, with forecasts predicting up to 16 inches (41 cm) of rain in Oaxaca and Guerrero.
While there have been no confirmed fatalities, the storm's aftermath has left significant destruction in tourist and fishing zones. Docks were destroyed, and small fishing vessels were heavily impacted. Coastal highways and local roads were blocked by mudslides, complicating emergency response efforts, and power outages hindered recovery operations.
In response to the disaster, over 30,000 security and emergency personnel were deployed under federal programs. Although some evacuation shelters were established, local business owners expressed concerns that government relief efforts have not adequately reached those affected. The National Hurricane Center has warned of increased risks of flooding and landslides in the mountainous regions of southern Oaxaca and Guerrero. While resort towns like Acapulco were largely spared, the fishing and tourism sectors in Oaxaca face a long road to recovery.
