Popular resort cut off from the world. Nightmare in paradise
Hurricane Otis reached the surrounding areas of the famous Acapulco on Wednesday, October 25th. The next day, dramatic photos from the resort swept the world. There is massive destruction in the city, and roads have been blocked by landslides. Residents have been left without power and internet, and communication is challenging.
1:23 PM EDT, October 26, 2023
The eye of "potentially destructive" hurricane Otis made landfall near the resort of Acapulco on the west of Mexico on Wednesday - reported by the National Hurricane Center.
Hurricane Otis reached Acapulco
Satellite images indicated that this occurred at 2.25 AM (Eastern Time), and the wind speed reached 105 miles per hour.
The center emphasized that Otis, whose power is estimated at 5, the highest degree on the Saffir-Simpson scale, will "quickly" weaken in the steep mountains of Guerrero state. However, the forecasted torrential rain (up to 15 inches in some places) threatens landslides and flooding.
"Take shelter, stay in safe places away from rivers, streams, and gorges, and be cautious" - warned platform X, President of Mexico Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador.
Dramatic picture of the city after the hurricane
As reported by the Associated Press, the resort plunged into chaos after the hurricane hit. Residents were left without power and internet, and communication was difficult as mud rivers still flooded the streets.
Recordings and photos appeared on social media, where you can see damaged buildings. - We were lying on the floor, and some between beds. We prayed a lot - said Jakob Sauczuk, quoted by AP, who was in one of the hotels in Acapulco during the hurricane.
He described that some windows in the hotel are devoid of panes, rooms completely destroyed. - It looked as if someone had thrown clothes, beds, and furniture into a blender - he said.
Pablo Navarro, an auto parts worker, staying temporarily in a beach hotel, thought he might die in his room on the 13th floor.
- I took shelter in the bathroom and luckily, the door held up – said Navarro. - But in some rooms, the wind ripped out windows and doors - he added.
There are no official information about the injured at the moment.
Let's recall that in 1997, Acapulco was stricken by Hurricane Paulina, which was a Category 4. Over 200 people died and several hundred were injured, making it one of the most significant natural disasters in Mexico, barring earthquakes.
