October 25, 2023, was far from a pleasant day for Mexico’s coastal region along the pristine shores of the Pacific Ocean. On Wednesday, Hurricane Otis made landfall at a staggering speed of 230 kilometers per hour. The high winds and torrential rains wreaked havoc on the coastal areas, causing extensive destruction. This hurricane was so powerful that it inflicted substantial damage to people’s homes, vehicles parked outside, electrical infrastructure, trees, and mobile towers.
The hurricane’s intensity made it exceptionally challenging to control. Mexican authorities stated that a storm of this magnitude had not been witnessed since 1950, breaking all previous records. Furthermore, they added that there was minimal time to prepare for it, as the hurricane veered towards the coast just 12 hours after it formed.
Current Status of the Hurricane As of now, Mexican civil authorities have not been able to ascertain the exact extent of the damage caused by the hurricane, as its speed is currently at 45 kilometers per hour. This means that in the last 12 hours, its speed has reduced from an average of 215 kilometers to 130 kilometers per hour, and it now maintains a speed of 45 kilometers. However, during this transition, it has caused significant damage in various areas. Efforts are underway to establish communication with the affected regions.
News of Over 1 Million People Affected The coastal city of Acapulco, where Otis made landfall, is home to nearly a million residents. This significant tourism hub in Mexico has been nearly destroyed by the devastating hurricane. U.S. scientists believe that such storms are a result of warmer ocean waters caused by global warming.
Mexico’s President has personally addressed the media, stating that contact has not been established with the regions that the hurricane has passed through. Efforts are being made to connect with these areas.
The aftermath of Hurricane Otis is a stark reminder of the destructive potential of natural disasters, and efforts to mitigate and respond to such events are crucial for the safety and well-being of communities in vulnerable regions.