Hurricane “Erick” Expected to Make Landfall in Oaxaca or Guerrero
The Mexican government announced on Wednesday morning that Hurricane “Erick,” now a Category 1 storm, could make landfall between the states of Oaxaca and Guerrero on June 19. In response, the government has activated Plan DN-III.
Hurricane “Erick” Details
According to the National Weather Service, Hurricane “Erick” is located 225 km southwest of Puerto Ángel, Oaxaca, with sustained winds of 120 km/h and gusts up to 140 km/h, moving northeast at 11 km/h.
Potential Impacts
Laura Velázquez, head of the National Coordination for Civil Protection, warned that “Erick” could evolve into a Category 2 hurricane early Thursday and is expected to make landfall between Oaxaca and Guerrero. Heavy rainfall of 150 to 250 mm is forecast for Guerrero, Oaxaca, and Chiapas, potentially causing river overflows, landslides, flooding, and increased water levels. Strong winds up to 150 km/h are also expected.
Government Response
Velázquez reported that 8,231 elements from the Secretariat of National Defense (3,641 in Oaxaca and 4,590 in Guerrero) and 9,071 personnel from the Secretariat of the Navy (6,418 in Oaxaca and 2,653 in Guerrero) have been mobilized. Additionally, technical elements from the CFE (Federal Electricity Commission) and CONAGUA (National Water Commission) are in operation.
Affected Regions
- In Oaxaca, 22 municipios could be affected, including San Pedro Mixtepec, Puerto Escondido, Santiago Pinotepa Nacional, and San Pedro Pochutla.
- In Guerrero, the alert extends to Cuajinicuilapa, Ometepec, Marquelia, Florencio Villarreal, and Acapulco.
Local Actions
Guerrero’s governor, Evelyn Salgado, reported that the State Council of Civil Protection is in permanent session. Initial actions include suspending classes at all educational levels and setting up 582 temporary shelters for potential evacuations.
- A public announcement operation has been deployed in coastal municipalities, and an information campaign has been intensified through social media and local media.
- More than 1,200 volunteers have been mobilized, and navigation in the port has been closed.
Oaxaca’s Response
Oaxaca’s governor, Salomón Jara, led a meeting with 35 mayors from the coast and Sierra Sur, agreeing on preventive measures and activating support brigades and temporary shelters.
- Classes have been suspended in 43 municipalities, mainly in the Isthmus and coastal regions.
- Actions are based on lessons learned from past meteorological events, emphasizing inter-institutional coordination and political commitment.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the current status of Hurricane “Erick”? As of the latest update, Hurricane “Erick” is a Category 1 storm located 225 km southwest of Puerto Ángel, Oaxaca, with sustained winds of 120 km/h and gusts up to 140 km/h, moving northeast at 11 km/h.
- Which states are expected to be affected by Hurricane “Erick”? The Mexican states of Oaxaca and Guerrero are expected to be affected by Hurricane “Erick,” with potential impacts on coastal and mountainous regions.
- What measures has the Mexican government taken in response to Hurricane “Erick”? The Mexican government has activated Plan DN-III and mobilized elements from the Secretariat of National Defense and the Secretariat of the Navy. They have also coordinated with local authorities to suspend classes, set up temporary shelters, and launch public announcement operations.
- What are the potential impacts of Hurricane “Erick” on the affected regions? Heavy rainfall, river overflows, landslides, flooding, increased water levels, and strong winds are expected in the affected regions.
