Hurricane Otis, a monster Category 5, hit Mexico’s Pacific coast near Acapulco, bringing destructive winds and heavy rain. Local authorities have implemented emergency measures and closed schools to ensure the safety of residents. Hotels in the region, usually crowded during this All Saints’ Day holiday period, have seen their occupancy rates drop as tourists are urged to stay away.
Satellite images showed Otis arriving in the Acapulco region early in the morning, accompanied by strong winds of up to 270 km/h. The consequences of this Category 5 hurricane are potentially catastrophic, but the US NHC estimates that its strength will rapidly diminish as it penetrates into mountainous lands.
Preparations for Hurricane Otis have been put in place, with preventive power cuts in Acapulco and accommodation provided in hostels for residents who may be evacuated. Mexican authorities are calling on the population to take shelter, away from rivers and streams, and to remain vigilant.
This is not the first time that Acapulco has been hit by a hurricane of this magnitude. In 1997, Hurricane Paulina hit the region as a category 4, causing the death of more than 200 people. Guerrero authorities emphasize the importance of coordination between the armed forces and local authorities to ensure the well-being of residents and avoid risks.
Mexico is regularly exposed to hurricanes during hurricane season, which runs from May to October-November. Warming of the ocean surface increases the frequency of the most intense cyclones, but their total number does not increase significantly. Coastal communities in Mexico are particularly vulnerable to wave-submersion phenomena amplified by rising ocean levels, which poses an increasing risk to them.
In conclusion, the arrival of Hurricane Otis on the Pacific coast of Mexico is a reminder of the destructive force of natural phenomena and the importance of preparing and taking security measures to ensure the protection of populations. With global warming, these events could become even more frequent and intense, calling for greater action to limit impacts on vulnerable communities.