Looting Sweeps Acapulco in Aftermath of Hurricane Otis
ACAPULCO, Mexico – Following the devastating blow of Hurricane Otis, the city of Acapulco has been plagued by looting as thousands of residents struggle to access essential resources such as food and water. The Category 5 storm, which made landfall with winds of 165 miles per hour, has left at least 27 people dead and caused extensive damage to homes, stores, and hotels.
The destruction caused by Otis is estimated to cost billions of dollars, prompting the deployment of over 8,000 armed forces members to aid in the recovery efforts. However, the scarcity of supplies has led to widespread looting throughout the city. Desperate residents have been seen carrying off essential goods, including food, water, and toilet paper, from stores.
President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador addressed the looting during a press conference, urging residents not to take advantage of the emergency situation. He assured the public that the government would provide assistance to those in need. However, many residents expressed dissatisfaction with the level of aid, citing closed or destroyed stores, non-functioning ATM machines, and a lack of cash.
The exact death toll and number of injured individuals remain unclear, with officials revealing minimal information. There are concerns among some officials that the number of casualties may rise. Letitia Murphy, who lost contact with her ex-husband during the storm, discovered his body through social media reports.
As Acapulco grapples with the aftermath of Hurricane Otis, another weather front is predicted to gain strength off Central America, potentially causing more heavy rain in southern Mexico. Despite the extent of the damage, President Lopez Obrador expressed gratitude that the death toll was not higher, stating, “Nature, the creator protected us, even with the fury of the hurricane.”
Efforts are underway to evacuate tourists from Acapulco, with an air bridge being established between the city and Mexico City. Both the Mexican and British governments have yet to respond to requests for comment regarding the situation.
In solidarity with Mexico, various governments have sent messages of support, and Pope Francis conveyed his condolences. President Joe Biden also expressed his condolences for the victims of the hurricane and pledged full support to the Mexican government.
Electricity services have been partially restored, with 50% of power reinstated in Guerrero by the state power utility CFE. Cell service has also been partially restored, with nearly 60% of coverage provided by Mexican telecommunications company America Movil.
The city remains in a state of chaos, as residents struggle to obtain essential supplies, and reconstruction efforts are just beginning. The true extent of the damage caused by Hurricane Otis is yet to be determined, but experts estimate that it could reach approximately $15 billion. President Lopez Obrador has called on insurance companies to expedite payouts for affected individuals and businesses.
As Acapulco continues to grapple with the aftermath of Hurricane Otis, the resilience and unity of its residents will be put to the test. The road to recovery will undoubtedly be a long and arduous one, but with support from the government and international community, the city can begin to rebuild and heal.