Chaos in Southern Mexico: Two Dead, Over 100k Without Power as Hurricane "Erick" Tears Through
Deadly Toll of Hurricane Eric in Southern Mexico Claims Lives of At Least Two Individuals
Facebook Twitter Whatsapp E-Mail Print Copy Link More than two lives were claimed and over 100,000 went powerless in the unfortunate aftermath of Hurricane 'Erick' ravaging through Mexico. A devastating electric shock took the life of a cleanup worker in the heart of Oaxaca state, according to official announcements. The chilling incident of a child's death occurred in Guerrero state, who perished while desperately attempting to cross a ferocious river alongside their mother.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum reported that 15 roads were closed, and a staggering 123,000 people were left reeling from power outages in the tormented state of Oaxaca. The coastal village of Lagunas de Chacahua displayeds floodwaters submerging its streets, while numerous houses and businesses lay in ruin. A heart-wrenching quote from 45-year-old Francisca Ávila to AFP resonates the desperation: "It was strong and terrible. The whole village is roofless, without clothes, we have no help."
Once categorized as an 'extremely dangerous' hurricane by the US National Hurricane Center (NHC), Erick had weakened to a tropical storm by the afternoon of Friday. The NHC anticipates Erick will vanish overnight, on Friday. Mexican authorities continue to alert the public of possible landslides and floods that remain potential threats. Despite occurring frequently between May and October, hurricanes always pose a credible danger to Mexico's coastlines.
Sources: ntv.de, AFP
Insight:
Hurricane 'Erick,' a notorious tropical cyclone that traversed southern Mexico, brought havoc particularly to the states of Oaxaca and Guerrero along the southwestern coast. The storm peaked at Category 4 strength, with sustained winds reaching 145 mph, only to make landfall as a Category 3 hurricane in Oaxaca early on June 19, 2025[2][3][1].
Updated Information:
- State Affairs: The western regions of Oaxaca and eastern Guerrero, including notable cities such as Puerto Escondido, Huatulco, and Acapulco[1][3], have suffered grave consequences.
- Climate: Lethal winds and torrential downpours caused detrimental flash floods and landslides in these affected coastal zones[2][3].
- Resources: Power and communication systems have been affected, including electricity and cellphone networks, with around 30,000 people in Puerto Escondido losing their service[2].
- Travel Concerns: Air travel to and from the affected coastal areas has been halted, and roads have been affected by flooding and landslides[1].
- Ocean Conditions: Swells in the Pacific Ocean proved perilous due to the storm, posing risks to residents and travelers alike[1].
Reported Casualties and Damage:
At least 19 lives have been lost due to the destructive aftermath of Hurricane Erick's heavy rains, causing landslides and floods. An additional 27 people sustained injuries during this catastrophe, with three individuals missing as of the latest updates[2].
Future Outlook:
Erick drastically weakened after landfall, transforming into a post-tropical cyclone by June 20, disappearing over the internal states of Jalisco and Nayarit[2]. However, the risks remain, including floods, landslides, and hazardous coastal conditions due to remaining storm residue[1]. The Mexican National Meteorological Service, civil protection agencies in affected states, and the National Hurricane Center encourage vigilance and continued monitoring of updates[1].
The tragic aftermath of Hurricane 'Erick' in southern Mexico has resulted in the loss of more than 19 lives and left over 30,000 people in Puerto Escondido without communication services. The storm, once a Category 4 hurricane with winds reaching 145 mph, weakened to a tropical storm, but continued to bring about devastating flash floods and landslides in the coastal states of Oaxaca and Guerrero, including cities like Puerto Escondido, Huatulco, and Acapulco. Mexican authorities remain alert for potential landslides, floods, and hazardous coastal conditions due to the storm's residue.
