Stormy Scene in Southern Mexico: Over 100k without Power, Two Lives Lost to Hurricane "Erick"
Two fatalities reported as a result of Hurricane Eric in the southern region of Mexico
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In the midst of tropical chaos, Mexico is reeling from the wrath of Hurricane "Erick." At least two souls have been claimed, with a man electrocuted during cleanup efforts in Oaxaca state, and a child swept away while attempting to cross a flooded river with their mother in Guerrero state. Over a hundred thousand residents are left in the dark, battling power outages.
Our President, Claudia Sheinbaum, shared the dismal tally of 15 road closures and 123,000 individuals battered by the disaster in Oaxaca. The quaint seaside village of Lagunas de Chacahua has been submerged by advancing floodwaters, leaving homes and businesses underwater. A grief-stricken 45-year-old Francisca Ávila shared her harrowing experience, "The entire village is helpless, roofless, without clothes... we're devoid of aid."
Initially categorized as an "extremely dangerous" hurricane, the mighty "Erick" weakened to a tropical storm on Thursday afternoon, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC). By Friday night, the storm was expected to deteriorate completely, but the NHC warns of the lingering threat of landslides and flooding. Annual hurricanes threaten Mexico's coastlines from May to October.
Sources: ntv.de, AFP
Behind the Scenes:As of Friday night, Hurricane Erick has left a destructive trail in southern Mexico, particularly in the states of Oaxaca and Guerrero. Erick made landfall in Oaxaca as a Category 3 hurricane on June 19, after swiftly intensifying into a formidable Category 4 just offshore[1]. This ferocious storm led to heavy rainfall, flash floods, and mudslides across the southern and southwestern regions of Mexico[1].
Affected areas include popular tourist destinations like Puerto Escondido, Huatulco, and Acapulco, as well as inland regions[1][2]. Although Erick weakened rapidly after landfall, subsequent heavy rain and flooding extended into Central America and Mexico's interior[1].
The catastrophe claimed at least 19 lives, with 27 injured and 3 reported missing[1]. Power outages and communication disruptions wreaked havoc, affecting at least 30,000 residents in Puerto Escondido alone[1]. Steep terrain areas have been particularly problematic, with roads engulfed by floodwaters and mudslides, complicating travel and emergency responses[2]. Ocean swells and hazardous surf conditions along the Pacific coast continue to pose life-threatening risks[2].
Before the impending calamity, emergency services issued warnings and remained vigilant throughout the harrowing ordeal[1][2]. Authorities advise avoiding coastal areas and adhering to all safety warnings due to the dangerous circumstances.
More than ever, the affected residents in Oaxaca and Guerrero urgently require aid and support in the face of extensive power outages caused by Hurricane Erick. Despite the weakening of the storm, the continued threat of landslides and flooding persists, especially in mountainous regions.
