As Hurricane Erick approaches Mexico's Pacific coast, authorities are enacting emergency protocols to protect communities.
Hurricane Erick Strikes Mexico: Authorities Issue Warnings and Evacuations
Hurricane Erick Strikes Mexico: Authorities Issue Warnings and Evacuations
Destructive storm expected to make landfall as a Category 4 hurricane, prompting widespread safety measures in Oaxaca and Guerrero.
Hurricane Erick is on track to make landfall in Mexico as a Category 4 storm early Thursday morning, bringing a host of destructive weather conditions that have already prompted flash floods, school closures, and evacuations in southern states like Oaxaca and Guerrero. The storm's expected point of impact is just west of Puerto Escondido, raising concerns about dangerous winds and heavy rain leading to significant storm surges.
In anticipation of this severe weather, Mexico’s Civil Protection agency has issued a red alert indicating the highest level of caution for areas in Oaxaca and Guerrero. The U.S. National Hurricane Center has expanded its hurricane warning along a 300-mile stretch of coastline, extending from Puerto Ángel in Oaxaca to the popular resort city of Acapulco.
As part of their emergency response, the Mexican government has established over 2,000 temporary shelters across Guerrero and Oaxaca, as well as in neighboring Chiapas. President Claudia Sheinbaum has urged citizens in the storm’s path to remain indoors and has advised those living near vulnerable areas, including rivers and floodplains, to seek refuge in emergency shelters.
Reports from the Oaxaca community of Lagunas de Chacahua indicate that more than 100 residents, primarily fishermen and tourism workers, have already sought safety in schools. Meanwhile, the streets of Salina Cruz, a prominent seaport, have flooded, with law enforcement assisting stranded drivers and clearing routes of debris.
Local residents and business owners in Puerto Escondido are taking precautionary measures by boarding up windows and doors in preparation for the oncoming storm, as tourists have been strongly advised to remain in their accommodations. In response to the threat, schools in various parts of Oaxaca are closed for a second day.
Hurricane Erick has rapidly intensified, with winds potent enough to displace objects, uproot trees, and damage infrastructure. Authorities are closely monitoring water levels in rivers and dams, warning residents to prepare for potential flash flooding.
This year's Pacific hurricane season has already seen five named storms, following a disastrous 2023 season in which Hurricane Otis, a Category 5 storm, devastated Acapulco and claimed over 50 lives. The current season, mirroring the Atlantic's, continues through November 30.
In anticipation of this severe weather, Mexico’s Civil Protection agency has issued a red alert indicating the highest level of caution for areas in Oaxaca and Guerrero. The U.S. National Hurricane Center has expanded its hurricane warning along a 300-mile stretch of coastline, extending from Puerto Ángel in Oaxaca to the popular resort city of Acapulco.
As part of their emergency response, the Mexican government has established over 2,000 temporary shelters across Guerrero and Oaxaca, as well as in neighboring Chiapas. President Claudia Sheinbaum has urged citizens in the storm’s path to remain indoors and has advised those living near vulnerable areas, including rivers and floodplains, to seek refuge in emergency shelters.
Reports from the Oaxaca community of Lagunas de Chacahua indicate that more than 100 residents, primarily fishermen and tourism workers, have already sought safety in schools. Meanwhile, the streets of Salina Cruz, a prominent seaport, have flooded, with law enforcement assisting stranded drivers and clearing routes of debris.
Local residents and business owners in Puerto Escondido are taking precautionary measures by boarding up windows and doors in preparation for the oncoming storm, as tourists have been strongly advised to remain in their accommodations. In response to the threat, schools in various parts of Oaxaca are closed for a second day.
Hurricane Erick has rapidly intensified, with winds potent enough to displace objects, uproot trees, and damage infrastructure. Authorities are closely monitoring water levels in rivers and dams, warning residents to prepare for potential flash flooding.
This year's Pacific hurricane season has already seen five named storms, following a disastrous 2023 season in which Hurricane Otis, a Category 5 storm, devastated Acapulco and claimed over 50 lives. The current season, mirroring the Atlantic's, continues through November 30.
