Hurricane Otis devastates famous resort town of Acapulco, Mexico
Hurricane Otis, classified as category 5, hit the seaside resort of Acapulco, located on the Pacific coast of Mexico, hard. The damage is considerable, with hotels and shopping centers seriously damaged, street furniture uprooted and communications completely cut off. The city finds itself isolated, without the possibility of plane or bus flights, and without access to the internet or electricity. Tourists and visitors also find themselves trapped, unable to leave the city or contact their loved ones to reassure them.
The first images released show landscapes of desolation, with luxury hotels and shopping centers reduced to ruins. Scenes of looting are unfortunately not uncommon, as the population tries to cope with this natural disaster. The authorities have not yet reported any casualties, but the material damage is considerable.
Faced with this critical situation, the President of Mexico, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, went to the site to assess the damage and coordinate relief. However, his journey is delayed due to landslides on the road to Acapulco, which is blocked by mud, water and uprooted trees. Rescue teams are working to restore communications and reopen access routes to help affected populations.
Acapulco has already experienced natural disasters in the past, notably in 1997 with Hurricane Paulina which caused more than 200 deaths. Mexico is regularly affected by hurricanes, due to its geographical position and its openness to the oceans. Hurricane season lasts from May to October-November, and damage is often significant.
In conclusion, Hurricane Otis caused major damage to Acapulco, putting the city on lockdown and depriving its residents and tourists of many essential services. The authorities are mobilized to assess the damage and come to the aid of the population, in the hope of restoring the situation as quickly as possible. Hurricanes remain a constant challenge for Mexico, which must deal with these natural phenomena on a regular basis.