Cleanup Begins as Hurricane Erick Moves on from Mexican Coast

Hurricane Erick has swept through southern Mexico, causing significant flooding and damage, particularly in Puerto Escondido, though thankfully without reported fatalities. Cleanup efforts are underway, while warnings for flooding and mudslides remain in effect. The government has mobilized troops and resources to aid in recovery efforts.

Cleanup efforts commenced in southern Mexico on Thursday following the departure of Hurricane Erick, which struck the Pacific coast as a fierce Category 3 storm before losing strength as it moved inland. In Puerto Escondido, a beloved tourist destination in Oaxaca state, locals and emergency teams rushed to drain flooded streets and remove debris caused by the storm that toppled trees and street signs, while burying boats in sand along the beach. Thankfully, there have been no reports of injuries or fatalities from the storm’s impacts.

A significant portion of Puerto Escondido’s 30,000 residents found themselves without electricity or cellphone service. “The water had never hit with this magnitude,” lamented Luis Alberto Gil, a 44-year-old merchant, whose shop fell victim to the irruption of floodwaters. To assist in recovery, the government deployed hundreds of troops alongside electricity workers to tackle the aftermath of the storm.

Hurricane Erick weakened to a Category 1 storm, but the US National Hurricane Center (NHC) has cautioned that the potential for flooding rains and hurricane-force winds would continue as the storm progressed northward. As winds peaked at 125 miles per hour (205 kilometers) in Oaxaca before eventually tapering off to 85 mph, concerns remained for life-threatening flooding and mudslides in Oaxaca and Guerrero.

An alert persists, with officials warning about possible coastal flooding and destructive waves resulting from “dangerous, life-threatening storm surge.” In response to the looming threats, schools, air terminals, and ports in Oaxaca and Guerrero—including Acapulco—closed down, and non-essential activities were postponed. Rains also swept across Michoacan, Colima, and Jalisco states.

In a midday update, the NHC forecasted “continued rapid weakening” for the storm, likely leading to its dissipation later that evening. The civil protection agency confirmed some material damage, although fortunately, no fatalities had been reported by lunchtime Thursday. A comprehensive assessment of the region will be conducted once conditions permit access.

Mexico is no stranger to severe storms during its rainy season, which typically spans from May to November. Just last October, Hurricane Otis struck Acapulco—devastating the area as a Category 5 storm and resulting in dozens of deaths. Additionally, Hurricane John, another Category 3 storm, caused about 15 fatalities just last September.

In light of Erick’s imminent landfall, President Claudia Sheinbaum advised residents—particularly those in low-lying areas or near riverbanks—to seek shelter. About 2,000 shelters were established in Chiapas, Guerrero, and Oaxaca as a precaution. “We are in contact with the Defense department and the Navy, and we will provide updates on the effects on these communities in a few hours,” she stated during her morning press briefing.

Within Puerto Escondido, even as some tourists opted to ride out the storm, most restaurants remained closed. Approximately 250 miles north, the popular resort city of Acapulco presented a ghostly image as residents followed warnings to stay indoors, leading to boarded-up shops and moored tourist boats. Many had made last-minute preparations, gathering food, water, and gasoline ahead of the storm’s arrival.

In summary, Hurricane Erick has left a significant mark on southern Mexico as recovery efforts begin in the wake of the storm. The impacts in Puerto Escondido, particularly the flooding and infrastructural damage, serve as a reminder of the region’s vulnerability to hurricanes. Authorities remain vigilant as conditions develop, and lessons from past storms underscore the need for preparation and safety. Thankfully, the absence of reported fatalities offers a glimmer of hope amidst the chaos.

Original Source: www.kpvi.com