Cleanup Begins as Hurricane Erick Moves on From Mexican Coast

Hurricane Erick has now moved inland from southern Mexico, prompting a significant cleanup in towns like Puerto Escondido. With properties damaged but no fatalities reported, recovery efforts are underway. Authorities remain cautious as the threat of flooding and mudslides persists. President Sheinbaum encourages safety measures, while historical storm events remind residents of their vulnerability during this season.

Cleanup efforts began on Thursday in southern Mexico following Hurricane Erick, a powerful Category 3 storm that impacted the Pacific coast before losing strength as it moved inland. In the coastal town of Puerto Escondido in Oaxaca state, residents along with emergency personnel scrambled to drain flooded streets and remove debris, which included uprooted trees, toppled street signs, and sand-buried boats on the beach.

Despite the damage, there have been no reported deaths or injuries in the affected areas, although much of the town’s 30,000 residents faced power outages and loss of cellphone services. Local merchant Luis Alberto Gil remarked, “The water had never hit with this magnitude in Puerto Escondido,” as his shop also suffered flooding.

In response, the government dispatched hundreds of soldiers and utility workers to assist with the recovery. Although Hurricane Erick was downgraded to a Category 1 storm, the US National Hurricane Center (NHC) cautioned that heavy rains and powerful winds would persist as it progressed northward. The maximum winds recorded in Oaxaca reached 125 mph early on, before reducing to 85 mph later in the day.

Warnings remained active for severe flooding and mudslides in Oaxaca and Guerrero, with persistent wind gusts and a potentially dangerous storm surge expected to cause coastal flooding and produce significant waves. Consequently, schools, airports, and ports, including at Acapulco, were closed, and non-essential activities were halted. Nearby states, including Michoacan, Colima, and Jalisco, were also impacted by the weather.

The NHC’s advisory indicated, “Continued rapid weakening is forecast, and Erick will likely dissipate tonight.” Meanwhile, the civil protection agency reported light property damage but noted that, as of Thursday afternoon, there had been no fatalities. A comprehensive assessment is planned once conditions improve.

Mexico is accustomed to annual storms, typically occurring from May to November across both coasts. Just last October, Hurricane Otis wrecked devastation in Acapulco, a Category 5 storm that led to numerous casualties. Moreover, Hurricane John, a Category 3 storm from September of the preceding year, was also responsible for about 15 deaths.

President Claudia Sheinbaum had previously urged citizens to remain indoors and recommended those in vulnerable areas relocate to shelters—over 2,000 being made available in Chiapas, Guerrero, and Oaxaca. As of Thursday morning, she expressed, “Since Erick just made landfall, we are in contact with the Defense and Navy departments, and we will provide updates on the impact on the population soon.”

In Puerto Escondido, even as the storm approached, some restaurants remained closed while a handful of tourists chose to remain and weather the storm. Meanwhile, activity in Acapulco—a bustling resort spot and port famous for its nightlife—was minimal, as residents adhered to safety advisories, securing shops and mooring tourist boats. Many locals made efforts to stock up on essentials prior to the storm’s arrival.

In conclusion, southern Mexico is now in recovery mode, with locals beginning to clear the debris and assess the damage inflicted by Hurricane Erick. Although the storm hit as a fierce Category 3, resulting in significant challenges like power outages and flooding, it thankfully did not bring any reported casualties. Flooding and mudslides still pose risks in the coming days, but the government is actively mobilizing resources for recovery efforts and ensuring the safety of the affected residents. Overall, the storm serves as a reminder of the vulnerability of these coastal regions to seasonal storms.

Original Source: www.kpvi.com