Authorities in southern Mexico are closely monitoring damage and rising rivers after Hurricane Erick’s remnants brought heavy rain to the region. The storm, which made landfall early Thursday as a Category 3 hurricane between Acapulco and Puerto Escondido, caused landslides, blocked highways, downed power lines, and flooding. Tragically, a 1-year-old boy drowned in a swollen river following the storm’s impact.
Erick initially reached Category 4 strength but weakened before landfall. The U.S. National Hurricane Center noted that by Thursday evening, Erick had degenerated into a low-pressure area with maximum sustained winds of 30 mph and was centered about 95 miles north-northwest of Acapulco. The hurricane’s rapid intensification and subsequent weakening presented challenges for forecasts, echoing a trend noted in previous years.
As the storm passed, residents of Acapulco and tourists began emerging to assess the situation. Business operations in the resort city gradually resumed despite ongoing rainfall. Meanwhile, in Puerto Escondido, fishermen evaluated storm-damaged boats and residents cleared debris.
Officials forecasted up to 16 inches of rain across Oaxaca and Guerrero, increasing the risk of flooding and mudslides, particularly in steep terrains. Due to these ongoing threats, Guerrero state schools were closed on Friday while authorities continued damage assessments. The memory of the devastation caused by Hurricane Otis in October 2023 heightened local concerns, as that storm left 52 dead and severely impacted the resort’s infrastructure.
Despite fears from Erick’s approach, many residents reported feeling more relaxed after the storm passed, with some venturing out to work and enjoy the reprieve, recalling the significant distress caused by Otis.
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