Hurricane Otis hits Mexico as a ‘Category 5’ storm.
Hurricane Otis Strikes Mexico with Unprecedented Force
OAN’s Stephanie Stahl
11:38 AM – Wednesday, October 25, 2023
The powerful Hurricane Otis has made landfall in southern Mexico, rapidly intensifying from a tropical storm to a Category 5 hurricane. This is the strongest hurricane ever recorded in Mexico and the eastern Pacific.
Early warnings from the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) indicate that Hurricane Otis will cause catastrophic damage. Within just 24 hours, the storm rapidly transformed into a major threat.
The hurricane made landfall near Acapulco, a popular Mexican resort town with a population of approximately 800,000 residents.
Initial reports from Acapulco reveal widespread devastation caused by the high-speed winds and heavy rain.
Meteorologists define a storm as “rapidly intensifying” when its wind speed increases by 35 miles per hour within a 24-hour period. In the case of Hurricane Otis, the storm escalated from 50mph to over 120mph in just 24 hours.
The NHC reported that the storm sustained maximum sustained wind speeds of 110mph, with the potential for further strengthening as it moves inland.
Forecasts predict up to 20 inches of rainfall through Thursday, with warnings of flash floods, urban inundation, and mudslides, especially in elevated areas.
The NHC also highlighted the ongoing threats of life-threatening storm surges and hazardous waves along the southern Mexican coastline.
Mexico’s president, Andrés Manuel Lopez Obrador, stated that there are no reports of casualties. However, communication systems in the affected area are currently offline, including those used by emergency response teams.
National Coordinator of Civil Protection Laura Velázquez mentioned the lack of a damage assessment due to communication difficulties with Acapulco.
Velázquez emphasized that there is no information regarding injured or missing individuals, as all communication systems, including those used by the Navy, are currently down.
President Obrador acknowledged reports of material damage and blocked roads, stating that rescue efforts are underway.
“The highway to Acapulco is blocked by landslides,” he said. ”Today we will continue with the rescue efforts for the ones affected.”
He added that assessing the damage in Acapulco is currently not possible, as flying to the area is not a viable option until the storm passes.
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What long-term effects are anticipated in the region due to Hurricane Otis, and what measures are being taken to address them
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“We are coordinating with civil protection authorities to provide immediate assistance to those affected by Hurricane Otis,” said President Obrador. “Our priority is to ensure the safety and well-being of our citizens.”
Authorities have activated emergency response plans and are working to restore communication lines to provide aid and support to affected areas.
The Mexican Navy and Army have been deployed to assist with search and rescue efforts, and shelters have been set up to provide temporary housing for those displaced by the storm.
The governor of the state of Guerrero, Héctor Astudillo, issued a statement urging residents to take precautions and follow evacuation orders.
“We are facing an extremely dangerous situation,” Astudillo said. “Please evacuate if you are in a vulnerable area and seek shelter in designated locations.”
International support is also being mobilized, with neighboring countries and international organizations offering assistance to Mexico in the aftermath of Hurricane Otis.
The impact of Hurricane Otis extends beyond the immediate damage caused by the storm. The region is also bracing for potential long-term effects, such as disrupted infrastructure, damage to crops, and the risk of disease outbreaks due to flooding.
Efforts to assess the full extent of the damage and provide relief and recovery assistance will be ongoing in the coming days and weeks.
Hurricane Otis serves as a reminder of the destructive power of these natural disasters and the importance of preparedness and resilience in the face of such events.
As communities in southern Mexico begin the process of recovery and rebuilding, it is crucial for national and international support to continue and for long-term solutions to be implemented to mitigate the impact of future storms.
Through collaboration, resource allocation, and collective action, we can work towards a more resilient future where the devastating impact of hurricanes like Otis can be minimized.
Our thoughts are with the people of Mexico as they navigate this challenging time, and we stand in solidarity with them as they rebuild their communities.
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