Hurricane Erick is rapidly intensifying as it approaches Mexico’s southern Pacific coastline, posing a threat to communities in Guerrero and Oaxaca. The storm is currently packing winds of around 140 km/h (87 mph) and is expected to reach Category 2 status when it makes landfall late Wednesday or early Thursday morning, according to President Claudia Sheinbaum.
As of Wednesday morning, Erick was located approximately 205 kilometers south-southeast of Puerto Ángel, Oaxaca. The National Hurricane Center forecasts the storm will continue to intensify, potentially reaching major hurricane strength before landfall.
The hurricane is expected to strike along a 400-kilometer stretch from San Pedro Mixtepec in Oaxaca to Acapulco in Guerrero. Authorities have placed 22 municipalities in Oaxaca and 10 in Guerrero under alert status.
The storm is predicted to bring heavy rainfall of 20 to 40 centimeters, with localized amounts possibly reaching 130 centimeters in parts of Oaxaca and Guerrero. This poses significant risks for flooding and mudslides, especially in mountainous areas. Other states, including Chiapas, Michoacan, Colima, Jalisco, and even Mexico City, can expect 8 to 13 centimeters of precipitation.
The Mexican Navy has deployed over 9,000 personnel under its Marine Plan to the affected regions, equipped with vehicles, vessels, aircraft, mobile kitchens, and water treatment facilities to aid in potential evacuations and emergency responses.
This storm arrives while Guerrero is still recovering from Tropical Storm Dalila, which recently damaged infrastructure and caused power outages along the coast. Residents in these areas are urged to stay vigilant and follow information from official channels as the hurricane approaches.
For more information, visit the source.
Leave a Reply