Background on Tropical Storm Dalila and its Impact
Tropical Storm Dalila recently swept through Mexico, causing significant damage in several regions, particularly Guerrero and Chiapas. The storm brought heavy rainfall, road blockages, fallen trees, collapsed roofs, and tragically, the disappearance of a Colombian migrant in Chiapas.
Guerrero’s Situation
The Guerrero State Secretariat of Civil Protection reported substantial damages in at least six municipalities, with Acapulco being the hardest hit by rain, wind, and high waves. Notable damages include:
- The lifting of the roof from the DIF municipal auditorium in Hogar Moderno colony.
- Flooding in several housing units in the Diamante area.
In Coyuca de Benítez, 37 people were moved to temporary shelters due to their proximity to the riverbank. Meanwhile, in the Atoyac Sierra, there were tree falls and road blockages in communities like El Paraíso, San Vicente, and Río Santiago.
Chiapas’ Situation
In Chiapas, heavy rains also caused destruction, especially in the Soconusco region. A 31-year-old Colombian migrant named Steven went missing after being swept away by a storm drain while attempting to clear a clogged drain obstructing water flow in the Cafetales de Tapachula colony.
Since Saturday, a search operation has been underway involving friends, volunteers, local police, and civil protection elements. The Texcuyuapan river reached its maximum capacity, increasing the risk of overflow.
Meteorological Forecast and Warnings
According to Mexico’s National Weather Service, as of June 15, Dalila maintained widespread circulation and was expected to bring intense rainfall to Nayarit and Jalisco, very heavy rains to Michoacán and Sinaloa, and strong rains to Colima.
- Rainfall will be accompanied by winds of 30 to 40 km/h, with gusts reaching 50 to 60 km/h.
- An elevated wave height of 2.5 to 3.5 meters is predicted along the coasts of Jalisco and Colima, though these conditions are expected to gradually decrease.
“Dalila is forecasted to turn gradually westward, moving away from Mexican coasts,” according to authorities.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Steven? Steven is a 31-year-old Colombian migrant who went missing in Tapachula, Chiapas, after being swept away by a storm drain.
- What regions were most affected by Tropical Storm Dalila? Guerrero and Chiapas experienced the most significant damages, with Acapulco in Guerrero being particularly hard hit.
- What are the current weather conditions and forecast? Dalila is expected to bring intense rainfall to Nayarit, Jalisco, Michoacán, Sinaloa, and Colima. Winds of 30 to 40 km/h with gusts up to 60 km/h, along with elevated wave heights of 2.5 to 3.5 meters, are predicted.
- What is the current status of search efforts for Steven? Search operations involving friends, volunteers, local police, and civil protection elements are ongoing since the storm’s occurrence.
