The passage of Hurricane Otis left a trail of destruction in Acapulco, on Mexico’s southwestern coast, causing massive flooding and looting and leaving residents without electricity or internet.
The first images and reports are of extensive destruction, fallen trees, downed power lines and major flooding, stretching for miles in some areas.
More images to come from Acapulco. Still no information about victims…. #hurricaneOtis #HurracanOtis #Otis #Acapulco #Mexico pic.twitter.com/UyPClCKESW
– Volcaholic (@volcaholic1) October 26, 2023
The number of victims of Hurricane Otis, which hit the Mexican coast in the Acapulco region on Wednesday, is not yet known.
The resulting devastation has delayed a comprehensive response from the government, which is still assessing extensive damage along Mexico’s Pacific coast, leaving residents in despair.
Many of Acapulco’s elegant beachfront hotels looked like ruined structures, a day after the Category 5 storm destroyed hundreds – and possibly thousands – of windows.
After Hurricane Otis made landfall in Acapulco. pic.twitter.com/YbKeGaDTRQ
– KASIDE (@zakkumec) October 26, 2023
According to the Associated Press (AP) news agency, there is widespread frustration among the population with the authorities. Although approximately 10,000 troops were deployed to the area, they lacked the resources to remove tons of mud and fallen trees from the streets.
Hundreds of trucks from the government’s electricity company arrived in Acapulco this morning, but they seemed to have no idea how to restore power, especially since many power lines were flooded.
#Mexico #Acapulco Aftermath of Hurricane Otis pic.twitter.com/dUzAxR2tHi
– World on Videos (@TheCryptoSapie1) October 26, 2023
At one store, National Guard officers allowed looters to take perishable items such as food, but their efforts were futile in preventing people from taking appliances and other items that were not essential.
It took almost all day Wednesday for authorities to partially reopen the main highway connecting Acapulco to the capital [de Guerrero]Chilpancingo and Mexico City.
This crucial land connection allowed dozens of emergency vehicles, first responders and trucks carrying supplies to reach the city of Acapulco and the region.
Acapulco’s commercial and military airports are still too damaged to resume flights.
Acapulco’s diamond zone, a coastal area full of hotels, restaurants and other tourist attractions, was almost completely submerged, according to drone images Foro TV published on the internet on Wednesday afternoon, with avenues and bridges completely submerged in brown water.
Source: DN
