Introduction
Hurricane “Erick” has resulted in at least two fatalities as it traversed southern Mexico, causing material damage to coastal communities. The storm weakened into a low-pressure system by Thursday night, with sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour.
Victims and Impact
Oaxaca: In the state of Oaxaca, where “Erick” made landfall early Thursday morning as a Category 3 hurricane (just short of Category 4), one adult male died after being electrocuted while helping with debris removal and handling high-voltage cables in San Pedro Pochutla.
Guerrero: In Guerrero, a teenager lost his life when he was swept away by a swollen stream while being carried by his mother attempting to cross. The tragedy occurred in San Marcos.
The hurricane directly impacted coastal communities like Lagunas de Chacahua in Oaxaca, destroying palm-thatched roofs of numerous homes and businesses. Streets were flooded, leaving residents without essential items as Francisca Ávila, a 45-year-old homemaker, lamented the loss of most of her belongings.
Aftermath and Future Risks
The Mexican government, led by President Claudia Sheinbaum, warns of potential landslides and flooding in the states of Guerrero, Oaxaca, Chiapas, Veracruz, and Puebla due to expected heavy rainfall.
- Road Closures: Fifteen stretches of road are closed, and a social security hospital in Oaxaca experienced water intrusion.
- Power Outages: Over 123,000 users are affected by power cuts.
- Evacuation Efforts: In Acapulco, residents took measures to safeguard their homes, businesses, and vessels due to the storm’s approach. Schools and non-essential activities were suspended, and airports and ports were shut down in affected areas.
- Tourism Impact: Puerto Escondido, a popular tourist destination with around 30,000 residents, also suffered from the storm, with fallen signs, poles, and branches.
Given its geographical location, Mexico frequently experiences cyclones along both the Pacific and Atlantic coasts, typically between May and November. In September 2024, the southern Pacific coast of Mexico was hit twice by Hurricane John, which reached Category 3 status and resulted in at least 15 fatalities, most of them in Acapulco.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who are the victims? At least one adult male in Oaxaca and a teenager in Guerrero lost their lives due to the hurricane.
- Which areas were most affected? Coastal communities in Oaxaca and Guerrero experienced significant damage, including destroyed roofs and flooded streets.
- What are the future risks? Heavy rainfall and potential landslides, flooding, road closures, power outages, and evacuation efforts are the main concerns in several Mexican states.
