Background on Claudia Sheinbaum
Claudia Sheinbaum is the President of Mexico City and has taken on a significant role in coordinating federal disaster relief efforts following natural disasters across Mexico. Her responsibilities include overseeing the response to hurricanes, earthquakes, and other catastrophic events. As the head of the capital city’s government, she has demonstrated her commitment to transparency and public service.
Hurricane “Erick” Impact in Oaxaca and Guerrero
Hurricane “Erick” recently impacted the southern Mexican states of Oaxaca and Guerrero, causing widespread damage and displacement. Claudia Sheinbaum, the President of Mexico City, has been at the forefront of the federal response to these disasters.
Sheinbaum’s Visit to Oaxaca
On Friday, President Claudia Sheinbaum announced her trip to Oaxaca to personally oversee relief efforts following Hurricane “Erick.” She highlighted that she would visit the most affected areas, including isolated communities in the Istmo region, particularly Juchitán, due to river overflow.
- Sheinbaum modified her schedule to prioritize on-site supervision and will resume her Southeast Mexico tour once Oaxaca relief efforts are complete.
- She is expected to arrive in Puerto Escondido or Pinotepa Nacional within the next few hours.
Confirmation of a Child’s Death in Guerrero
During the same briefing, Sheinbaum confirmed the tragic death of a young boy in Guerrero due to intense rainfall caused by Hurricane “Erick.” The child was swept away while attempting to cross a hazardous area.
“A child has unfortunately passed away because he tried to cross a current-affected zone. We are in close contact with the family through the Guerrero government, but there have been no other human losses; primarily material losses,” Sheinbaum stated.
Damages Reported in Oaxaca and Guerrero
Laura Velázquez Alzúa, the National Coordinator of Civil Protection, along with Oaxaca Governor Salomón Jara, reported that 39 municipalities were directly affected by Hurricane Erick.
- More than 276,000 people lost electrical service.
- Cellular telephone systems failed in several regions.
- Wind gusts reached up to 240 kilometers per hour.
- Damages were reported on roads and communication lines.
Five temporary shelters were activated, and the distribution of humanitarian aid is ongoing. The DN-III Plan and the Marina Plan are in effect to assist affected populations.
Defense Secretary’s Update on Hurricane “Erick”
Ricardo Trevilla Trejo, Secretary of the National Defense, reported that Hurricane “Erick” made landfall as a Category 3 storm at 05:45 AM on Thursday and subsequently degraded into a tropical depression.
- Approximately 12,000 elements of the Armed Forces were deployed in Oaxaca and Guerrero.
- Operation centers and mobile kitchens distributing 5,000 daily hot meals were set up.
- Ten shelters were established in Guerrero, and two more in Oaxaca.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Claudia Sheinbaum? President of Mexico City and head of the federal disaster relief coordination efforts.
- Why is Sheinbaum visiting Oaxaca? To personally oversee relief efforts following Hurricane “Erick” and ensure aid reaches affected communities.
- What is the extent of damage in Oaxaca and Guerrero? Over 276,000 people lost electrical service; cellular telephone systems failed in several regions; wind gusts reached up to 240 kilometers per hour; and damages were reported on roads and communication lines.
- How many people have lost their lives due to Hurricane “Erick”? One child’s death has been confirmed in Guerrero due to the storm.
- What relief efforts are underway? Five temporary shelters have been activated, humanitarian aid distribution is ongoing, and the DN-III Plan and Marina Plan are in effect to assist affected populations.
