Hurricane Otis wreaked havoc in Acapulco, Mexico, leaving a trail of destruction and claiming the lives of 45 people, including residents and foreigners. Among the victims were an American, a Canadian, and a Briton, all of whom were residents of Acapulco. The hurricane made landfall as a Category 5 storm, bringing winds of 270 km/h and gusts exceeding 300 km/h. The rapid intensification of the hurricane caught residents off guard, preventing them from adequately preparing their homes and businesses.
Acapulco, a city heavily reliant on tourism, suffered significant damage. Over 274,000 homes and 600 hotels were affected, with 80% of the hotel sector sustaining some form of damage. The hurricane also led to looting incidents at local businesses and supermarkets. The government, in response to the disaster, plans to announce a reconstruction plan prioritizing the commercial and tourism sectors, the city’s primary employers.
The aftermath of the hurricane has prompted residents to organize cleanup efforts, although many have expressed frustration over the slow arrival of assistance. While the government, NGOs, and citizens have initiated aid distribution, complaints persist about the delayed response.
Hurricane Otis, which rapidly escalated from a tropical storm, caused immense damage, estimated at around $15 billion, according to Enki Research, a natural disaster consultancy. The hurricane has highlighted the need for prompt and efficient disaster response in the region as Acapulco begins the challenging process of recovery amidst the destruction.