Mexico City Devastated by Hurricane Otis: 27 Dead and Counting
Mexico City, October 26 – Hurricane Otis has left a trail of destruction in its wake as it swept through the Pacific beach resort of Acapulco. The Mexican government has confirmed that at least 27 people have died in the wake of the powerful storm.
The storm struck Acapulco on the morning of October 25, causing widespread flooding, severe damage to homes and hotels, and cutting off communications, roads, and air access. The government has also reported that four people are still missing.
President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador described the situation in Acapulco as “really disastrous” during a morning press conference. The missing persons are believed to be members of the navy, according to Lopez Obrador.
The government disclosed that the storm intensified rapidly off the Pacific coast, with winds so powerful that they uprooted large trees. Hospitals were flooded, forcing the evacuation of patients to safer areas.
Officials have suspended operations at Acapulco’s international airport due to structural damages caused by the storm.
In response to the catastrophe, nearly 8,400 members of Mexico’s army, air force, and national guard have been deployed in and around Acapulco to assist in cleanup efforts, according to the defense ministry.
Governor Evelyn Salgado announced on social media that classes across the state have been canceled for a second day as authorities work to restore electricity and reactivate drinking water pumps in Acapulco.
Mexican energy company Pemex ensured a secure supply of gasoline and diesel for the port of Acapulco and the state of Guerrero. Meanwhile, Mexico’s state power utility CFE reported that over 1,300 employees are working to restore power, aiming to address the needs of approximately 300,000 people who remain without electricity.
In a positive development, Telmex, the Mexican telecommunications firm controlled by tycoon Carlos Slim’s family, announced that it had restored its network in Acapulco by Thursday morning.
The international airport in Acapulco remains closed after the storm destroyed the control tower, caused telecommunication failures, and blocked access roads.
The aftermath of Hurricane Otis is a somber reminder of the destructive power of natural disasters. The focus now is on recovery and providing support to the affected communities.
Reporting by Brendan O’Boyle, Dave Graham, Sarah Moreland, Lizbeth Diaz, and Kylie Madry; Writing by Brendan O’Boyle and Cassandra Garrison; Editing by Miral Fahmy and Jonathan Oatis