On Wednesday (25 October), Acapulco experienced the wrath of Hurricane Otis, with wind speeds reaching up to 165mph. The city experienced extensive flooding, loss of communication, and significant property damage, including hotel structures.
By Saturday (28 October), official reports from the Mexican government confirmed the death toll from Hurricane Otis had climbed to 39.
In an effort to help tourists leave the city, an aerial route was established between Acapulco and Mexico City after the city’s airport was reopened. However, regular commercial flights remain suspended. The hurricane’s impact had initially forced the closure of the airport when it struck the Pacific southern coastline on Wednesday.
The Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) issued updated guidance on Sunday (29 October), cautioning against non-essential travel to Acapulco.
The advisory highlighted that Hurricane Otis had inflicted substantial damage on infrastructure in Acapulco and the regions between Zihuatenejo and Punta Maldonado. This includes damages to hotels, transportation systems, communication networks, and healthcare services.
Moreover, there have been incidents of looting and theft due to dwindling resources like food, water, and fuel.
In response to the crisis, the National Guard has been mobilized to assist in the relief efforts. The FCDO advises tourists and residents to heed the instructions from local authorities and the National Guard. For information related to disaster preparedness, the Mexican civil protection secretariat provides guidance, including details on hurricane shelters.
The FCDO emphasized the continued risk in Acapulco and the broader Guerrero region, warning of potential additional flooding and landslides. They further advised caution, noting that historically, the aftermath of storms can be more perilous than the storm itself.
