As Hurricane Erick approaches Mexico, it is set to make landfall as a Category 4 storm early Thursday morning. The superstorm has already caused significant flash flooding, triggered evacuations, and led to the closure of schools in the states of Oaxaca and Guerrero.
Officials have warned that Erick's ferocious winds and heavy rainfall pose an imminent threat of dangerous storm surge, particularly west of Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca. In anticipation, the National Hurricane Center has issued hurricane warnings for a 300-mile stretch from Puerto Ángel to the prominent tourist destination of Acapulco.
In response to the emergency, Mexican authorities have activated a red alert indicating the highest level of risk, with over 2,000 temporary shelters established in Guerrero, Oaxaca, and Chiapas. President Claudia Sheinbaum has advised residents in vulnerable areas to remain indoors and relocate to shelters if they are near rivers or low-lying zones.
On Wednesday, residents of the fishing community of Lagunas de Chacahua began seeking refuge in schools, while flash flooding overwhelmed streets in Salina Cruz, a significant port city. Police forces have been deployed to assist distressed drivers while emergency teams worked to clear roads obstructed by debris.
Business owners and homeowners in Puerto Escondido have proactively boarded up their establishments as a safety measure against the impending storm. Tourists have been advised to remain within their accommodations until the situation stabilizes. Schools in several areas were closed for a second consecutive day.
Hurricane Erick has displayed alarming strength, with winds powerful enough to uproot trees and damage buildings. Ongoing monitoring of local dams and water levels is in place due to the heightened risk of flash flooding.
The destructive potential of hurricanes is not lost on residents, particularly as the region is still recovering from last year's catastrophic Hurricane Otis, which wreaked havoc along the same stretch of coastline. Erick marks the fifth named storm of the 2023 Eastern Pacific hurricane season, which runs until November 30.
Officials have warned that Erick's ferocious winds and heavy rainfall pose an imminent threat of dangerous storm surge, particularly west of Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca. In anticipation, the National Hurricane Center has issued hurricane warnings for a 300-mile stretch from Puerto Ángel to the prominent tourist destination of Acapulco.
In response to the emergency, Mexican authorities have activated a red alert indicating the highest level of risk, with over 2,000 temporary shelters established in Guerrero, Oaxaca, and Chiapas. President Claudia Sheinbaum has advised residents in vulnerable areas to remain indoors and relocate to shelters if they are near rivers or low-lying zones.
On Wednesday, residents of the fishing community of Lagunas de Chacahua began seeking refuge in schools, while flash flooding overwhelmed streets in Salina Cruz, a significant port city. Police forces have been deployed to assist distressed drivers while emergency teams worked to clear roads obstructed by debris.
Business owners and homeowners in Puerto Escondido have proactively boarded up their establishments as a safety measure against the impending storm. Tourists have been advised to remain within their accommodations until the situation stabilizes. Schools in several areas were closed for a second consecutive day.
Hurricane Erick has displayed alarming strength, with winds powerful enough to uproot trees and damage buildings. Ongoing monitoring of local dams and water levels is in place due to the heightened risk of flash flooding.
The destructive potential of hurricanes is not lost on residents, particularly as the region is still recovering from last year's catastrophic Hurricane Otis, which wreaked havoc along the same stretch of coastline. Erick marks the fifth named storm of the 2023 Eastern Pacific hurricane season, which runs until November 30.
