ACAPULCO, Mexico — In the aftermath of Hurricane Erick, authorities in southern Mexico are working diligently to evaluate the damage and monitor rising rivers as remnants of the hurricane continue to bring heavy rain to the area.
The storm, which initially made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane on an unpopulated coastal stretch, has heightened concerns of landslides and flooding due to the torrential rain over steep coastal mountains.
As of Friday, the death toll from the storm stood at one—a one-year-old boy who tragically drowned in a swollen river. President Claudia Sheinbaum announced her intention to visit the affected areas to oversee recovery efforts.
Approximately half of the 277,000 residents who experienced power outages have had their electricity restored. Meanwhile, soldiers, marines, and members of the National Guard have been mobilized to assist in clearing debris and reopening roads in the hard-hit Guerrero and Oaxaca states.
Initially hitting the Pacific coast of southern Mexico, Erick rapidly reached Category 4 status before making landfall as a Category 3. The hurricane ultimately dissipated late Thursday evening as it moved over the mountains in Michoacan state.
Following its impact, reports surfaced of landslides, blocked highways, downed power lines, and localized flooding, particularly affecting Acapulco residents. Memories of the 2023 Hurricane Otis, which caused devastating damage, remained fresh in the community’s minds.
Despite facing Category 4 strength, Erick weakened just before landfall. Its rapid intensification had caused complications in forecasting, as highlighted by the hurricane center’s data showing a significant increase in such incidents.
Authorities had been preparing for the potential of severe rainfall, which National Civil Defense Coordinator Laura Velázquez confirmed as a primary concern. A river in Juchitan, Oaxaca overflowed its banks, compelling families to seek shelter.
Projections warned of up to 40 centimeters (16 inches) of rain across Oaxaca and Guerrero, posing risks of flooding and mudslides, especially in steep terrains. Additionally, other regions like Chiapas, Michoacan, Colima, and Jalisco were expected to receive significant rainfall.
Late on Thursday, Guerrero’s Civil Defense Director Roberto Arroyo reported the devastating loss of a one-year-old in San Marcos. Attempting to cross a swollen river, the child’s mother tragically lost her grip, resulting in the boy’s death.
In Acapulco, the community displayed resilience with businesses gradually resuming operations, albeit schools remained closed as damages were assessed. Though the rain had ceased, cloudy skies persisted over the port.
The earlier trauma from Hurricane Otis influenced the community’s heightened preparedness for Erick. The city, previously ravaged by Otis—a rapidly intensifying Category 5 hurricane—bore heavy losses including substantial hotel damages and 52 fatalities.
Reflecting the communal sentiment, local resident Juan Carlos Castañeda, a security guard, expressed relief that the storm passed without causing as much devastation as feared. Despite facing apprehensions, particularly after the harsh lessons learned in 2023, life slowly returns to normal.
Home Mexico Evaluates Damage from Hurricane Erick After Fatal Flooding