Tropical Storm Dalila Causes Destruction in Acapulco
In the coastal state of Guerrero, Tropical Storm Dalila has wreaked havoc, causing extensive flooding, landslides, and infrastructure damage. The storm, which made landfall on September 14, has left a trail of destruction in Acapulco and surrounding areas, particularly in the Zona Diamante of Acapulco, where Playa Revolcadero was one of the hardest-hit spots.
According to CONAGUA, the storm has displaced approximately 2,000 people, with some of the most affected areas including Misión del Mar and Luis Donaldo Colosio, where roads remain underwater. Emergency response teams have begun repair efforts, but the damage is extensive.
The Omitlán Bridge, a key infrastructure in the region, has collapsed, impairing transportation. Roads, power lines, restaurants, and roofs have suffered damage across the state. Power outages have been reported, and several municipalities have experienced roof collapses and fallen trees. The flooding and infrastructure damage have disrupted daily life and caused business losses estimated at Mex$750 million (about US$39.4 million).
In addition to the physical damages, the storm has caused dangerous rip currents and high surf conditions along Mexico’s Pacific coast. Emergency protocols were activated, and authorities issued alerts prior to Dalila’s land effects to mitigate harm.
The storm has also caused severe damage to schools and hospitals in Guerrero, with several needing repairs or replacement. No major casualties have been reported, but fishermen have suffered losses as five boats sank due to rough seas.
CONAGUA has also reported major disruptions in telecommunications, affecting over 100,000 residents, and power outages in several areas, affecting over 50,000 residents. The storm has affected nearly 10,000 hectares of crops in the region.
Three residents were evacuated to temporary shelters due to the risk of landslides. Playa Revolcadero, located in the Zona Diamante of Acapulco, was one of the hardest-hit areas, with five businesses, including four restaurants and a seafood shop, collapsing due to the storm.
As recovery efforts begin, residents are urged to stay informed and follow official updates. CONAGUA is working closely with local authorities to assess the damage caused by Tropical Storm Dalila and to coordinate recovery efforts. The storm has caused significant economic losses in Guerrero, with the tourism industry being one of the hardest hit.
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- The extensive flooding and infrastructure damage caused by Tropical Storm Dalila have disrupted not only the daily lives of Guerrero's residents but also the environmental-science sector, as five businesses in Playa Revolcadero, including four restaurants and a seafood shop, were severely damaged or collapsed.
- Experts in climate-change and science warn that the weakening of the region's infrastructure due to the storm, such as the damage to the Omitlán Bridge, could exacerbate the negative impacts of future weather events, as Guerrero continues to recover from the devastation brought by Tropical Storm Dalila.
