Experts warn of “catastrophic damage”: Hurricane “Otis” has reached Mexico and could cause devastating disaster. The seaside resort of Acapulco is on high alert – even if the storm is already weakening slightly.
With wind speeds of up to 270 kilometers per hour, Hurricane “Otis” made landfall near the Mexican seaside resort of Acapulco overnight (local time). Shortly afterwards the cyclone lost some of its strength, but there was initially no all-clear signal. The US National Hurricane Center (NHC) downgraded “Otis” to Category 4, but at the same time warned that the storm remains very dangerous with possible wind speeds of up to 210 kilometers per hour and associated heavy rainstorms.
The NHC had upgraded “Otis” to the highest hurricane category five shortly before its arrival and warned of “catastrophic damage” in the affected coastal areas.
Shopkeepers in Mexico barricade their businesses because of Hurricane Otis.
Soldiers in action
A hurricane warning is in effect for the coastal section between Punta Maldonado and Zihuatanejo. President Andres Manuel López Obrador called on people to go to emergency shelters and stay away from rivers, streams and ravines.
In Acapulco, soldiers patrolled the beach promenade, schools are closed and emergency shelters have been prepared. “We are on high alert,” said Acapulco Mayor Abelina López.
Mexican soldiers stand on the beach in Acapulco before the arrival of Hurricane Otis.
Flash floods feared
Heavy rainfall is expected in the state of Guerrero, where Acapulco is located, and parts of the neighboring state of Oaxaca, the NHC warned. These could lead to flash floods and flooding in cities and mudslides in higher areas.
On October 9, 1997, category four hurricane Paulina made landfall in Acapulco. At that time, more than 200 people died.