HURRICANE OTIS: DEVASTATES ACAPULCO

Acapulco, the famous tourist city of Guerrero, is in ruins after the passage of Hurricane Otis. The cyclone, which made landfall on October 25 as a category 3 hurricane, left at least 27 dead, thousands injured and unprecedented destruction.

The images that come from Acapulco are devastating. Collapsed buildings, flooded streets, fallen trees and destroyed vehicles are the panorama that appears in the city. Most basic services, such as water, electricity and gas, are suspended.

The authorities have declared a state of emergency in Acapulco and have deployed elements of the Secretariat of National Defense (SEDENA), the Secretariat of the Navy (SEMAR) and the National Guard to provide aid to the victims.

Material damage

The material damage in Acapulco is incalculable. Hurricane Otis left unprecedented destruction in its wake, affecting city infrastructure, homes and businesses.

The most affected areas are the coastal area, where hotels and tourist centers are located, and the urban area, where most businesses and homes are concentrated.

In the coastal area, the hurricane destroyed hotels, restaurants, bars and casinos. Beaches were also affected, with large amounts of sand and debris.

In the urban area, the hurricane caused the collapse of buildings, the collapse of streets and avenues, and the interruption of water, electricity and gas service.

Damaged

Hurricane Otis left thousands of people affected in Acapulco. Authorities estimate that there are around 100,000 people who lost their homes or were affected by material damage.

The affected people are living in temporary shelters, where they receive food, clothing and medical care.

Humanitarian aid

Federal and state authorities have deployed elements of SEDENA, SEMAR and the National Guard to provide aid to the victims in Acapulco.

Security elements have established filters on the roads to prevent looting and the sale of overpriced products.

Trucks with food, medicine and other supplies for the victims have also been sent to the city.

Straight

The situation in Acapulco is critical and the authorities face a series of challenges to provide help to the victims and rebuild the city.

One of the main challenges is the lack of coordination between federal, state and municipal authorities. This has generated delays in the distribution of aid and in care for the victims.

Another challenge is the magnitude of the destruction. The material damage is so great that it will take a great effort to rebuild the city.

Perspectives

The reconstruction of Acapulco will be a long and complex process. Officials estimate it could take several years to complete.

In the short term, authorities will focus on caring for the victims and guaranteeing the safety of the city.

In the medium term, work will begin to rebuild infrastructure and housing.

The reconstruction of Acapulco will be a challenge for the Mexican government and civil society. It is important that all sectors come together to help the victims and to rebuild the city.