Mexico is currently facing the imminent arrival of Hurricane Otis, an extremely violent weather phenomenon that made landfall near Acapulco, a famous seaside resort on the Pacific coast. With winds reaching up to 270 km/h, Otis is classified as Category 5 on the Saffir-Simpson scale, making it potentially catastrophic. Local authorities have taken precautionary measures by closing schools and preparing reception places for tourists.
Hurricane Otis has been closely monitored by the US National Hurricane Center (NHC), which hopes its strength will diminish as it moves inland into a mountainous region. Residents were warned to take shelter and remain vigilant, avoiding areas near rivers and ravines.
With the All Saints Bridge imminent, Acapulco was ready to welcome an influx of tourists. However, authorities had to close the port and cut off electricity as a safety measure. Many hotels already have a 50% occupancy rate, but local authorities have put in place accommodation solutions in hostels to cope with this unforeseen situation.
The government of Guerrero state, where Acapulco is located, ordered schools to close to ensure the safety of students. This decision was taken in order to avoid any potential risks associated with heavy rains and strong winds.
It is important to note that Mexico often experiences hurricanes during the season which extends from May to October-November. The geographical conditions of the country, located between the Pacific and the Gulf of Mexico, make it an area conducive to the development of these destructive weather phenomena.
Over the years, Mexico has experienced many devastating hurricanes. Hurricane Paulina, which hit Acapulco in 1997 as a category 4, caused the deaths of more than 200 people. More recently, Hurricane Norma left three people dead in the state of Sinaloa last week.
Global warming also contributes to the intensification of cyclones. According to the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the frequency of Category 4 and 5 hurricanes is expected to increase with global warming. This represents a growing risk for coastal communities, facing marine submersion and flooding caused by rising sea levels.
It is therefore crucial that coastal countries, such as Mexico, take steps to prepare for hurricanes, both in terms of protective infrastructure and effective evacuation plans. The safety and well-being of populations must be a top priority in these emergency situations.