Background on Hurricane Erick and its Potential Impact
Hurricane Erick, currently a Category 3 storm on the Saffir-Simpson scale, is expected to make landfall between Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca and Punta Maldonado, Guerrero during the early morning hours of today. The Mexican National Weather Service (SMN) warns that the storm may intensify to Category 4 before making landfall. The hurricane is predicted to bring heavy rainfall, leading to potential landslides, rising river and stream levels, and flooding in low-lying areas of the affected states.
Key Details from the SMN Forecast
- Wind speeds: 200 to 210 km/h with gusts over 220 km/h along the coasts of Oaxaca and Guerrero, and 60 to 80 km/h with gusts of 100 to 120 km/h along the coast of Chiapas, increasing during the night.
- Wave heights: 6.0 to 8.0 meters along the coasts of Oaxaca and Guerrero, and 4.0 to 5.0 meters along the coast of Chiapas, increasing during the night.
- Tidal surges: 2 to 2.5 meters along the coast of Oaxaca.
- Tropical storm-force winds: Possible formation of waterspouts off the coast of Oaxaca.
Government Response and Preparations
In response to the high risk posed by Hurricane Erick, the Mexican government declared a “naranja” (orange) alert and activated Plan DN-III of the Army and Plan Marina in Guerrero and Oaxaca. The hurricane’s path is expected to affect the states of Guerrero, Oaxaca, Chiapas, and Veracruz.
Actions Taken in Oaxaca
- 132 municipios are under constant monitoring due to the potential shift in hurricane trajectory.
- Approximately 71,670 people living in high and very high marginalization areas are at risk.
- 371 shelters have been set up in vulnerable or at-risk zones.
- Classes at all educational levels (basic, upper secondary, and higher) have been suspended in 16 municipalities of the Costa, Sierra Sur, and Tehuantepec Isthmus regions.
- Albergues (shelters) have been established in churches and schools across all municipalities for the care of potential evacuees.
Actions Taken in Guerrero
- Movement restrictions were imposed starting at 8 PM yesterday in Acapulco and the Costa Chica, Montaña, and Centro regions.
- 600 shelters were established, with 34 in Acapulco, where the airport is closed, and panic buying of supplies and fuel was reported.
- Public transportation has been suspended.
President’s Message and Recommendations
President Claudia Sheinbaum urged residents of the southeastern region in a video message to stay in their homes as the hurricane approaches.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the current status of Hurricane Erick? Hurricane Erick is currently a Category 3 storm on the Saffir-Simpson scale, with wind speeds of up to 210 km/h. It is expected to make landfall between Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca and Punta Maldonado, Guerrero.
- What precautions have been taken by the Mexican government? The government declared a “naranja” alert, activated Plan DN-III of the Army and Plan Marina in Guerrero and Oaxaca, and set up 371 shelters across vulnerable zones. Classes have been suspended in several municipalities, and movement restrictions have been imposed in certain regions.
- What are the potential impacts of Hurricane Erick? Heavy rainfall may cause landslides, rising river and stream levels, flooding in low-lying areas, and strong winds along the coasts of Oaxaca, Guerrero, and Chiapas. Tidal surges and possible waterspouts are also expected.
- What recommendations have been given to the public? President Claudia Sheinbaum advised residents of the southeastern region to stay in their homes as Hurricane Erick approaches.
