Background on Hurricane “Erick”
Hurricane “Erick” has been downgraded to a Category 1 storm according to the latest meteorological report from Mexico’s National Water Commission (CONAGUA). As of 09:15 hours, the hurricane’s center was located approximately 50 kilometers north-northwest of Punta Maldonado, Guerrero, and has made landfall.
Current Status
The hurricane is moving northwest at 19 kilometers per hour, with maximum sustained winds of 140 kilometers per hour and gusts up to 165 kilometers per hour.
Impact on Regions
- Heavy Rainfall: The tropical cyclone will bring torrential rain to Guerrero and Oaxaca, intense rainfall in Chiapas, southern Veracruz, and southern Puebla. Winds are expected to range from 100 to 120 kilometers per hour with gusts up to 140 to 160 kilometers per hour.
- Storm Surges: Hurricane “Erick” will cause wave heights of 3 to 5 meters along the coast of Oaxaca and eastern and southern Guerrero, as well as 1.5 to 2.5-meter waves in Chiapas.
Hurricane’s Path and Effects
Initially, Hurricane “Erick” made landfall in Oaxaca as a Category 3 storm and reached Category 4 on the Saffir-Simpson scale just before making landfall. The Coordination National of Civil Protection (CNPC), led by Laura Velázquez Alzúa, reported that damages have been relatively minor so far, with issues like landslides and flooding but no reported human losses.
Over 100 people have been relocated to temporary shelters set up in strategic locations, and the Puerto Escondido airport remains closed. Claudia Sheinbaum, the president, expressed gratitude to the public for adhering to authorities’ safety recommendations.
Government Response
More than 21,000 elements from the Mexican Army (Sedena), the Navy (Semar), National Guard, and other institutions have been deployed for preventive actions, evacuations, and assistance to the population. In high-impact areas like Punta Maldonado and Acapulco, maritime navigation has been suspended, and restrictions remain in high-risk zones.
The southern Pacific coast is under alert, leading to the closure of airports and ports, as well as the suspension of classes and non-essential activities.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the current status of Hurricane “Erick”? The hurricane has been downgraded to Category 1, with maximum sustained winds of 140 kilometers per hour and gusts up to 165 kilometers per hour.
- Which regions are affected by heavy rainfall? Guerrero, Oaxaca, Chiapas, southern Veracruz, and southern Puebla are experiencing or will experience torrential rainfall.
- What are the expected wave heights along the coast? Wave heights of 3 to 5 meters are expected in Oaxaca and eastern/southern Guerrero, while 1.5 to 2.5-meter waves are anticipated in Chiapas.
- What measures have been taken by the Mexican government? Over 21,000 personnel from various institutions have been deployed for preventive actions, evacuations, and assistance. Maritime navigation has been suspended in high-impact areas, and non-essential activities have been halted along the southern Pacific coast.
