Record-Breaking Hurricane Erick Left Over 100,000 without Power, Claiming at Least Two Lives in Southern Mexico
Two individuals lose their lives due to Hurricane Eric in Mexico's southern region
Social media buzzes with the unfortunate events in Mexico following the arrival of Hurricane Erick. At least 2 lives have been claimed, and the number is likely to rise with reports of missing individuals.
Thousands are left in the dark as more than 100,000 individuals have lost their power supply. A man working to restore order after the hurricane was electrocuted, leaving his family distraught. A child is also reported missing after a flood swept them away while crossing a river with their mother in neighboring Guerrero state.
The state of Oaxaca has been the most affected. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum reported that a total of 15 roads were blocked due to the hurricane, and 123,000 people faced power outages. The coastal village of Lagunas de Chacahua saw roads flooded, resulting in many homes and businesses' destruction. Resident Francisca Ávila, in her 40s, described the event as terrifying. “The whole village is roofless, without clothes, we have no help,” she expressed to news agency AFP.
Before the hurricane landfall, the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) issued an alarming warning about the “extremely dangerous” nature of Hurricane Erick. The system weakened to a tropical storm on Thursday evening but is expected to dissipate completely by Friday night.
Despite the weakening, Mexican authorities warned of further risks, including potential landslides and floods. Hurricanes generally pose a threat to Mexico's shores from May to October.
Hurricane Erick is notorious for being the earliest significant hurricane to strike Mexico's coasts, reaching a peak of Category 4, with sustained winds of 145 mph (230 km/h). However, it weakened to Category 3 with winds of 125 mph (200 km/h) before making landfall[1][3]. The storm affected primarily the coastal regions of the states of Oaxaca and Guerrero, including major urban centers such as Puerto Escondido, Huatulco, and Acapulco[1][2]. It even caused widespread flooding and mudslides in Central America's parts[1].
The catastrophe brought extensive disruptions, including power and cellphone outages for at least 30,000 people in Puerto Escondido[1]. A total of 19 people were reported dead, 27 were injured, and 3 were missing due to the violent storm[1]. Flights were canceled in the affected areas due to hazardous weather conditions[2].
Authorities issued warnings prior to landfall, urging residents and travelers to take precautions and avoid entering the ocean in light of the surf and rip currents[1][2]. Authorities also warned of dangerous road conditions due to flooding and mudslides, especially in steep areas. People have been urged to stay informed about local updates and follow civil protection instructions[2].
Despite weakening, Hurricane Erick remains a frustrating reminder of the unpredictable nature of hurricanes and the urgency for preparedness. Emergency services remain vigilant in monitoring and addressing the ongoing situation[1][2][3].
- Social media users are repeatedly sharing updates about the devastating impact of Hurricane Erick in Mexico, with more concerns about the rising number of missing individuals and the hardships faced by those left powerless.
- As Hurricane Erick weakens and is expected to dissipate completely, Mexican authorities continue to warn of further risks, such as potential landslides and floods, reminding the public of the unpredictable nature of hurricanes and underscoring the need for preparedness.
