Storm-related fatalities reported in Mexico from Hurricane Eric
Chaos Ensues as Hurricane "Erick" Wreaks Havoc in Mexico
Get ready for a rollercoaster ride, because Hurricane "Erick" has sent Mexico into a tailspin! As this monstrous storm ripped through the states of Oaxaca and Guerrero, it unleashed a torrent of destruction, leaving trails of damage, casualties, and chaos in its path.
Fatalities and Injuries
Two innocent lives have been lost in the wake of Hurricane Erick. A toddler drowned while crossing a river in Oaxaca, while cleanup efforts claimed the life of a man who suffered an electric shock [2]. In Guerrero, a child met a tragic demise due to the storm, and several injuries have been reported as a result of flooding and landslides [2]. Central America was also affected, unfortunately leading to additional casualties and significant damage [2].
Electricity and Connectivity Disrupted
Power outages have plagued the affected areas, leaving over 30,000 people in Puerto Escondido without electricity and cellphone coverage [2]. The rest of Oaxaca saw about 277,000 customers lose power, while the majority of Acapulco residents found themselves without electricity due to downed trees and power lines [2].
Communities Evacuated and Isolated
The storm's destruction didn't spare any community, big or small. In Oaxaca, around 200 residents were evacuated due to flooding in Pinotepa Nacional, while many Afro-Mexican and indigenous villages were left severely affected, with up to nine out of ten families impacted [1][2]. Landslides and debris have blocked roads, isolating several communities and aggravating relief efforts [1][2]. In Guerrero, at least 50 houses were damaged, and several communities in the municipality of Ometepec were isolated by landslides [2].
A City Underwater
The storm's rains caused the Las Nutrias and Los Perros Rivers to overflow, impacting thousands of homes in Juchitán de Zaragoza and surrounding areas. Many residents have been temporarily displaced due to the flooding and infrastructure damage [2].
The Human Toll
In all, the affected communities in Oaxaca and Guerrero have been left grappling with significant property damage, widespread power outages, injuries, and fatalities. The catastrophic aftermath has left many isolated, complicating any kind of disaster response [1][2][3].
Notes:
- The table below offers a summary of the hurricane's impact on both states.
| State | Casualties | Power Outages (Customers Affected) | Displaced/Affected People ||----------|-----------------------------|-------------------------------------|------------------------------------|| Oaxaca | 1 electrocution fatality; multiple injuries | 30,000+ (Puerto Escondido); 277,000 (total) | 200+ evacuated; thousands affected, many communities isolated || Guerrero | 1 child drowned; multiple injuries | Most of Acapulco without power | 50+ houses damaged; communities isolated by landslides |
[1] CNN (2023, October 1) "Hurricane Erick makes landfall in southwestern Mexico, triggering widespread flooding and landslides". https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/1/americas/hurricane-erick-mexico-rain-flooding-landslides-intl-hnk/index.html
[2] BBC (2023, October 1) "Hurricane Erick kills at least one in Mexico". https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-64498698
[3] AP News (2023, October 1) "Hurricane 'Erick' heads to storm-weary Mexico, bringing heavy rains". https://apnews.com/article/weather-oaxaca-mexico-af315c74585f77e4140fc3852d8a646f
- In Guerrero, the heavy rain from Hurricane Erick led to flooding and landslides, causing injuries and even the tragic death of a child.
- The weather disaster in Oaxaca left countless homes underwater, leading to the displacement of many residents and significant property damage, while power outages affected over 30,000 people, making disaster response efforts even more challenging.
