Dangerous Hurricane “Otis” Reaches Mexico
Experts warn of “catastrophic damage”: Hurricane “Otis” has reached Mexico and could cause devastating destruction. The resort town of Acapulco is on high alert, even though the storm has already weakened slightly.
With wind speeds of up to 270 kilometers per hour, Hurricane “Otis” made landfall near the Mexican resort town of Acapulco during the night (local time). Shortly after, the hurricane lost some strength, but there was no all-clear yet. The U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) downgraded “Otis” to Category 4, but warned at the same time that the storm remains very dangerous with possible wind speeds of up to 210 kilometers per hour and accompanying heavy rainstorms.
The NHC had classified “Otis” as a Category 5 hurricane shortly before its arrival and warned of “catastrophic damage” in the affected coastal areas.
Soldiers on duty
A hurricane warning is in effect for the coastal stretch between Punta Maldonado and Zihuatanejo. President Andres Manuel López Obrador called on people to seek shelter and stay away from rivers, streams, and ravines.
In Acapulco, soldiers patrolled the beach promenade, schools closed, and emergency shelters were prepared. “We are on high alert,” said the mayor of Acapulco, Abelina López.
Flash floods feared
The state of Guerrero, where Acapulco is located, as well as parts of the neighboring state of Oaxaca, are expected to experience heavy rainfall, the NHC warned. This could lead to flash floods and inundations in the cities, as well as mudslides in higher regions.
On October 9, 1997, Hurricane “Paulina” of Category 4 made landfall in Acapulco. At that time, more than 200 people lost their lives.