Mexico Experiences Devastation by Catastrophic Category 3 Hurricane Erick, Causing Floods and Landslides
Hurricane Erick, a Major Storm, Blasts Mexico's Coast
Puerto Escondido, Mexico - In a surprise hit, Hurricane Erick, a Category 3 storm, slammed the Pacific coast of Mexico early Thursday. The National Hurricane Center reported the hurricane made landfall with estimated sustained winds of about 125 mph[3]. The aftermath brought flooding and landslides in its wake.
Rapidly intensifying, Erick's fancy dance on the Pacific
Erick's dance with Category strength was a swift one, transforming from a weaker Category 1 hurricane to an "extremely dangerous" Category 4 storm in less than a day, thanks to ample atmospheric moisture, warm sea surface temperatures, and low wind shear[3].
The Impact
Mexican officials reported no deaths or injuries as of Thursday. Hurricane Erick's effects were felt for hours after making landfall, causing flooding and landslides in the Oaxaca state, particularly between 5 and 5:30 a.m. local time.
In the navy secretary, Adm. Raymundo Pedro Morales Angeles's estimation, around 200,000 people in Oaxaca and 1.3 million in Guerrero might be affected by the hurricane[2]. The Mexican social security hospital in Oaxaca was flooded, roads collapsed, and the electrical system failed, while Costa Chica in Guerrero bore the brunt of the storm, with landslides, downed trees and poles[2].
In response, over 21 army elements have been deployed in Oaxaca and Guerrero, with more than 9,000 Navy members present in both states, setting up temporary shelters[2].
Videos on social media showed staggering flash flooding with streets marshaled by rushing floodwaters and people wading in knee-deep water.
Acapulco, A City Haunted by its Past
Acapulco, a city of nearly 1 million, is bracing for Erick's arrival. The city was devastated by Hurricane Otis in 2023, a Category 5 storm that arrived suddenly, causing at least 52 fatalities. The resort's hotels were severely damaged, leaving scars that Acapulco residents haven't yet forgotten[1].
But they claim to be better prepared this time around, learning from past mistakes. Acapulco's governor, Evelyn Salgado, has suspended all movement in the city and beach communities by 8 p.m., while schools are closed across the state for a second day[2].
A Parallel Path
Late Wednesday, Erick's projected path shifted south, approaching the resort city of Puerto Escondido. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum urged people in the region to stay in their homes or evacuate to shelters if necessary[1].
Puerto Escondido's storm-battered esplanade was hit by crashing waves, swamping wooden fishing boats, and almost disappearing under pounding waves by nightfall. Last-minute shopping ended with stores closing and the streets emptying[1]. Some surfers continued to ride waves at Zicatela Beach despite red flags warning people to stay out of the water.
The storm's course change could provide a welcome relief for storm-weary Acapulco residents.
For more information:
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- Hurricanes
- Hurricane Erick's tragic dance on the Pacific
Despite the storm's unpredictable path change, Puerto Escondido and Acapulco remain under Alert, anticipating the impact of Hurricane Erick. The weather conditions could exacerbate the already vulnerable cities, especially Acapulco, which was previously devastated by Hurricane Otis in 2023.
