Cleanup Begins as Hurricane Erick Moves On from Mexican Coast

Hurricane Erick struck southern Mexico as a Category 3 storm leaving behind flooding and destruction. Puerto Escondido suffers from power outages and lacks cell service. Fortunately, no deaths or injuries were reported. Cleanup operations are underway as the storm weakens while warnings for flooding persist in Oaxaca and Guerrero.

Cleanup efforts intensified in southern Mexico on Thursday following the destructive pass of Hurricane Erick, which made landfall as a fierce Category 3 storm. Though it subsequently weakened while moving inland, the impact was significant, especially in Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca. Emergency personnel and residents were busy draining flooded streets and removing debris, including fallen trees and street signs, along with boats partially buried in sand along the beach.

Notably, despite the extensive damage, there were no reported fatalities or injuries from the storm. However, much of Puerto Escondido, a town with about 30,000 residents, remained without electricity and cell service. Locals expressed shock at the storm’s strength. “The water had never hit with this magnitude,” said Luis Alberto Gil, a 44-year-old merchant whose shop faced flooding.

In response to the emergency, the government mobilized hundreds of troops and electricity workers to aid the cleanup. The storm had since downgraded to a Category 1, yet warnings from the US National Hurricane Center indicated that residents should still brace for flooding rains and hurricane-force winds as Erick continued northward. Initial sustained winds reached 125 mph before tapering off to around 85 mph.

Authorities maintained alerts for potential flooding and mudslides in Oaxaca and Guerrero, noting that wind gusts could persist for hours. The NHC cautioned of “dangerous, life-threatening storm surge” risks that could lead to further coastal flooding and destructive waves. In preparation, schools, airports, and ports— including those in Acapulco— were closed, while non-essential activities were suspended across the affected regions.

Additionally, neighboring states like Michoacán, Colima, and Jalisco endured rain impacts from the storm. In an advisory issued earlier, the NHC predicted Rok but stated, “Continued rapid weakening is forecast,” suggesting that the storm would likely dissipate soon. The civil protection agency reported that, by Thursday afternoon, material damage was noted but thankfully, no confirmed fatalities.

As a precautionary measure, President Claudia Sheinbaum had urged residents in vulnerable areas to stay indoors or move to safer shelters, with around 2,000 set up across Chiapas, Guerrero, and Oaxaca. She emphasized communication with defense and naval forces in the region, aiming to assess the storm’s effects shortly after it made landfall.

In Puerto Escondido, many restaurants remained closed, although a few tourists chose to stay and weather the storm. Meanwhile, around 250 miles north, Acapulco appeared deserted, with shops boarded up and tourists staying away as locals prepared diligently by securing food, water, and gasoline supplies in anticipation of the storm’s impact.

In summary, Hurricane Erick has left southern Mexico grappling with significant cleanup challenges following its powerful landfall. Thankfully, no human casualties have been reported amidst the destruction, but extensive damage has resulted in widespread power outages and community disruptions. While the storm has weakened, vigilance remains crucial as authorities respond to ongoing risks of flooding and mudslides in the affected areas. Ultimately, this event serves as a sobering reminder of the challenges posed by the seasonal storms Mexico faces annually.

Original Source: www.kpvi.com