Guerrero, Mexico — Residents in southwestern Mexico are fleeing their homes as the remnants of Hurricane John continue to unleash devastation. The storm, which battered the Pacific coastline for a week, has brought deadly floods and landslides, reportedly leaving more than 20 people dead.
In the hard-hit state of Guerrero, one of Mexico's poorest regions, the coastal city of Acapulco has been transformed into a muddy wreck. Locals are seen digging through mud and rubble, trying to salvage what’s left of their properties. According to local media, at least 18 people have lost their lives, many due to mudslides that crushed houses.
“It was still raining, and the soil was sliding. People came out crying. I don't know if anyone was buried. They say that people were coming from work when the landslide happened. People were crying; they were terrified by the landslide. The Civil Protection came, but if it rains, another landslide may happen,” said Olga Flores, an Acapulco resident.
Acapulco is no stranger to powerful storms. Last October, the city was hit by the Category 5 storm Otis, which left over 50 people dead and caused billions of dollars in damages. But Hurricane John’s rainfall was nearly triple the amount from Otis, making it an unprecedented disaster for the region.
To the south, at least three deaths have been reported in Oaxaca, while a young boy tragically died in a river in Michoacan State to the north.
John rapidly strengthened into a major hurricane on Monday before tearing into Guerrero. It dissipated, then reformed offshore, and for the rest of the week, it skimmed the coastline north, bringing torrential rain and floods.
While Hurricane John began dissipating on Friday and is no longer considered an active storm, heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are still forecasted across Guerrero and parts of Oaxaca. Authorities in Acapulco have noted that floodwaters are starting to recede, but the danger isn't over yet.
Communities are coming together to support one another during this difficult time. As cleanup efforts begin, the resilience and solidarity of the Mexican people shine through. Stay safe, amigos! 💪🇲🇽
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Mexicans flee flooded homes as deadly Hurricane John dissipates
cgtn.com
