Cleanup Begins as Hurricane Erick Moves on From Mexican Coast

Hurricane Erick slammed into southern Mexico as a Category 3 storm, causing significant flooding and damage in Puerto Escondido. Fortunately, there have been no reported deaths or injuries, but many remain without electricity. Cleanup operations are underway, with government assistance deployed. Residents are advised to stay cautious as the storm weakens but continues to pose flooding threats to the region.

Cleanup efforts have ramped up in southern Mexico as Hurricane Erick has now moved on from the coast. The storm, which struck as a robust Category 3 hurricane, weakened significantly after making landfall. Residents and emergency workers in the tourist hotspot of Puerto Escondido, located in Oaxaca state, were busy pumping out floodwaters and clearing debris left by the powerful storm.

Reportedly, Erick knocked down trees and buried boats under sand on the beach, but fortunately, no fatalities or injuries have been reported so far across the affected areas. The hurricane also disrupted electricity and cell service in parts of the town, which has a population of around 30,000. Local merchant Luis Alberto Gil expressed his dismay, stating, “The water had never hit with this magnitude” in Puerto Escondido.

In a bid to facilitate the cleanup, the government has dispatched hundreds of troops and electricity workers to assist local efforts. Although the storm has now been downgraded to a Category 1, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) cautioned that the potential for flooding and hurricane-force winds persists as Erick travels northward. Maximum sustained winds recorded in Oaxaca reached 125 miles per hour initially before tapering off to 85 mph.

Authorities have issued alerts for life-threatening flooding and possible mudslides in Oaxaca and Guerrero, with the NHC warning of dangerous storm surges that could lead to coastal flooding and large waves. As a precaution, schools, ports, and air terminals in affected states have been closed, while non-essential activities have been put on hold.

Erick’s trajectory has also impacted other regions like Michoacan, Colima, and Jalisco with heavy rainfall. The NHC stated that, “Continued rapid weakening is forecast, and Erick will likely dissipate tonight,” as officials keep an eye on conditions.

Since the hurricane made landfall, Mexico’s civil protection agency noted some material damage but, notably, no reports of fatalities. A thorough assessment of damages will be performed once the conditions allow access to the hardest-hit areas.

Mexico is no stranger to major storms, typically occurring from May to November on both coasts. Just last October, Acapulco was devastated by Hurricane Otis, a Category 5 storm that resulted in numerous casualties. Another recent storm, Hurricane John, was responsible for about 15 deaths when it struck in September last year.

In response to the ongoing hurricane threat, President Claudia Sheinbaum urged residents to stay indoors and encouraged those in low-lying or river-adjacent areas to seek shelter. The government has set up about 2,000 shelters in Chiapas, Guerrero, and Oaxaca in anticipation of such emergencies. “Since Erick just made landfall, we are in contact with the Defense (department) and the Navy, who are in the area, and we will be able to inform in a few hours what the effects are on these populations,” she noted during a press conference on Thursday.

Meanwhile, in Puerto Escondido, many restaurants remain closed despite some tourists opting to stay and ride out the storm. Further up the coast in Acapulco, a popular resort city, scenes of bareness were apparent on Thursday as the majority of residents stayed put, with shops boarded up and tourist boats undisturbed. A last-minute rush to stock up on food, water, and gasoline took place just before the storm made its presence known.

In summary, Hurricane Erick has left a trail of cleanup and concern in southern Mexico, primarily affecting Puerto Escondido and its surrounding areas. With preliminary reports indicating no fatalities, authorities remain focused on recovery efforts while the NHC continues to monitor the storm’s aftermath. As residents brace for additional rain and potential landslides, the government has mobilized resources and set up shelters in advance of the hurricane season.

Original Source: www.kpvi.com