Cleanup Underway as Hurricane Erick Moves Away from Mexican Coast

Hurricane Erick has moved away from Mexico, leaving Puerto Escondido with significant flooding and damage, but no reported casualties. Cleanup operations are in progress, supported by government troops, while further storm warnings remain in place. President Claudia Sheinbaum encourages residents to avoid low-lying areas as communities begin to recover from the aftermath.

Thursday marked a significant cleanup effort in southern Mexico following the departure of Hurricane Erick. The storm, which once roared through as a powerful Category 3, weakened upon making landfall. The coastal town of Puerto Escondido in Oaxaca bore the brunt of the storm, as residents and emergency crews scrambled to clear flooded streets and debris. Trees were downed and boats were partially buried under sand, leaving local shops like that of 44-year-old merchant Luis Alberto Gil underwater.

Fortunately, no injuries or fatalities were reported, although much of Puerto Escondido’s 30,000 residents lost electricity and cellphone service. “The water had never hit with this magnitude,” Gil commented, reflecting the shock many locals felt. In terms of assistance, the government dispatched hundreds of troops and electrical workers to bolster the cleanup operation.

As Erick was downgraded to a Category 1 hurricane, the U.S. National Hurricane Center advised that heavy rainfall and strong winds would continue during its northern trek. In the immediate aftermath, wind gusts reached speeds of 85 mph (140 km/h) in Oaxaca, causing flooding and mudslide alerts to remain in effect for both Oaxaca and Guerrero. Moreover, the NHC warned about a dangerous storm surge that could create coastal flooding and large waves.

In anticipation of the storm, Oaxaca and Guerrero had already closed schools, air terminals, and ports, including those in Acapulco. Rains also disrupted daily life in Michoacan, Colima, and Jalisco. The NHC noted that continued weakening of Erick was expected, with predictions of its dissipation later that evening.

As of Thursday lunchtime, there were reports of material damage but thankfully no fatalities. A complete assessment will follow, pending better access to affected areas. This incident comes on the heels of recent major hurricanes that have hit Mexico, most notably Hurricane Otis in October 2023, which claimed numerous lives, and Hurricane John in September of last year that also resulted in fatalities.

President Claudia Sheinbaum urged residents, especially those in flood-prone areas, to relocate to shelters set up in Chiapas, Guerrero, and Oaxaca — areas that prepared for this potential storm. Amidst the chaos, eateries in Puerto Escondido remained closed, yet some tourists opted to ride out the storm in their accommodations. Meanwhile, Acapulco, about 250 miles north, lay largely deserted as the storm approached, with residents following advice to stay indoors after stocking provisions.

In summary, Hurricane Erick’s impact on southern Mexico has led to extensive cleanup efforts and some unexpected flooding in towns like Puerto Escondido. The swift response from the government and emergency services has helped minimize injuries and fatalities. However, the ongoing threat of flooding and mudslides still lingers in the region as communities begin to recover. This incident serves as a reminder of the potential for severe storms, as the country braces for what may come during the hurricane season.

Original Source: www.kpvi.com