This catastrophic storm, which unexpectedly intensified before making landfall, claimed the lives of at least 27 people. Survivors are now desperately searching for loved ones and essential supplies, while they anxiously await swift aid.
The aftermath of a devastating Category 5 storm, Hurricane Otis, has left Acapulco residents in dire need of assistance
The Mexican government deployed around 10,000 troops to deal with the aftermath of the Pacific Category 5 storm, which hit Acapulco with shocking swiftness. However, equipment to clear tons of mud and fallen trees from the streets arrived slowly. In impoverished neighborhoods, resentment grew as residents feared that government attention would prioritize tourism infrastructure over helping the neediest.
Flora Contreras Santos, a resident from an underserved neighborhood, pleaded with soldiers to help find a 3-year-old girl swept away by a mudslide during the Category 5 storm. Despite the clearing efforts, the soldiers remained unresponsive.
President Andrés Manuel López Obrador witnessed the devastation and emphasized the urgency of restoring power to the city, leaving much of the city of 1 million without electricity
Brown floodwaters extended for miles in some areas, and looting became widespread as residents sought necessities. Amid the chaos, residents organized themselves through online messaging platforms like WhatsApp to share information and search for missing loved ones. However, challenges persist as Acapulco‘s police chief, Enrique Vázquez Ramírez, admitted that they could do little to stop people from emptying local stores or speed up traffic.
Acapulco, once a favored destination for Hollywood stars, now faces an uncertain future, with experts suggesting it could take up to a year to rebuild the city’s infrastructure and restore its status as a tourist destination. Despite the immense challenges, some remain hopeful that this crisis will compel the government to pay more attention to Acapulco’s needs.
The hurricane’s destruction extended to the city’s iconic beachfront hotels, with an estimated 80% of them sustaining damage. Electricity restoration and transportation remain significant obstacles as Acapulco’s commercial and military airports are still severely damaged.
Acapulco is nestled at the foot of steep mountains, and its recovery faces a challenging uphill battle. Once drawing Hollywood stars for its nightlife and recreation, the city has been plagued by organized crime, driving away many international tourists in recent years.
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