Southern Mexico Launches Major Recovery Efforts After Hurricane Erick

In the aftermath of Hurricane Erick, a Category 3 storm that hit Southern Mexico, the local government and military have mobilized hundreds to assist in the extensive clean-up efforts, as the region grapples with flooding, power outages, and damaged infrastructure.

As Southern Mexico grapples with the aftermath of Hurricane Erick, which struck the Pacific coast as a potent Category 3 storm, a large-scale clean-up operation has begun in Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca. The storm resulted in widespread power outages, leaving over 120,000 residents without electricity, and significantly disrupted communication networks. Local businesses, including those owned by traders like 44-year-old Luis Alberto Gil, faced flooding for the first time at this intensity.

Although Hurricane Erick lost some of its strength after landfall, transitioning to a Category 1 storm, the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) cautioned about ongoing risks, including hazardous flooding and strong winds. The potential for a life-threatening storm surge poses additional hazards, with waves reaching heights of up to 10 meters (33 feet).

In response to the severe conditions, the Mexican government deployed hundreds of military personnel to assist in recovery operations in Puerto Escondido, where damaged buildings and flooded roads are critical concerns. Nearby Acapulco remained mostly deserted, as residents adhered to evacuation measures, stocking up on essential supplies ahead of the storm’s arrival.

As alerts for dangerous flooding and mudslides continue in Oaxaca and neighboring Guerrero, President Claudia Sheinbaum urged caution, recommending that residents in vulnerable areas seek refuge in shelters. This proactive approach follows the devastation brought by Hurricane Otis earlier in the year, which claimed at least 50 lives and caught many off guard due to its rapid intensification.

The NHC indicated that Hurricane Erick is expected to weaken further and likely dissipate by Thursday evening, yet recovery efforts and monitoring for additional risks will persist as the affected communities work to return to normalcy.