Hurricane Erick is poised to strike the coast of Mexico as a Category 4 storm early Thursday, bringing with it the potential for severe flash floods, school closures, and evacuation orders in the southern states of Oaxaca and Guerrero. The storm is expected to make landfall just west of the port town of Puerto Escondido in Oaxaca, escalating concerns about its destructive winds and heavy rainfall.
As Hurricane Erick approached Mexico’s Pacific Coast late Wednesday, Mexico’s Civil Protection authorities issued a red alert, signaling the highest level of danger due to severe weather threats in parts of Oaxaca and Guerrero. This alert reflects the seriousness of the situation as officials prepare for the storm's impact.
In anticipation of the storm, the Mexican government has established over 2,000 temporary shelters across Guerrero, Oaxaca, and the neighboring state of Chiapas. President Claudia Sheinbaum urged residents in Erick’s path to remain indoors and advised individuals living near low-lying areas, rivers, and waterways to seek refuge in emergency shelters. This proactive approach aims to safeguard lives and property from the impending storm.
On Wednesday, more than 100 residents from the Oaxaca community of Lagunas de Chacahua, primarily fishermen and tourism service workers, were evacuated to schools for safety, according to meteorologist Cutberto Gutiérrez from Oaxaca’s risk management coordination office. The swift actions taken by local authorities highlight the urgency of the situation.
Hurricane Erick has already caused significant disruptions, flooding the streets of Salina Cruz, a major seaport in Oaxaca, and stranding vehicles. Local police forces in Oaxaca and Guerrero have been actively assisting stranded drivers and clearing roads of debris, such as rocks and branches. In the days leading up to the storm, many residents and business owners in Puerto Escondido boarded up windows and doors, while tourists were advised to remain in their hotels for safety.
As the storm intensified on Wednesday, its winds became powerful enough to uproot trees, break branches, and tear roofs off buildings. Authorities are closely monitoring local dams and rivers, issuing warnings about the risk of flash flooding as the storm progresses.
Mexico’s southern Pacific Coast recently experienced devastation from Hurricane Otis, a Category 5 storm that claimed over 50 lives and caused extensive damage in 2023. Otis severely impacted areas such as Acapulco, sinking yachts and fishing boats, and destroying numerous hotels and homes. As Hurricane Erick approaches, it serves as a reminder of the unpredictable and dangerous nature of the Pacific hurricane season, which runs through November 30.
Hurricane Erick is the fifth named storm to form in the Eastern Pacific Ocean this year, and its potential impact is being closely monitored as it approaches the Mexican coastline. Residents are urged to stay informed and prepared as the storm unfolds.
