Tragedy Strikes Acapulco: Hurricane Otis Leaves 27 Dead and Countless Struggling for Survival
Acapulco, known as the “Pearl of the Pacific,” is reeling in the aftermath of the deadly Hurricane Otis, the most powerful storm ever recorded on the Pacific Ocean’s coastline in Mexico.
Hurricane Otis leaves 27 dead and survivors scramble: “Acapulco has been destroyed”
As of the latest update from authorities, Hurricane Otis is blamed for the deaths of at least 27 people, with four individuals still missing in the region.
Acapulco suffered severe damage as the Category 5 hurricane brought down buildings and infrastructure, plunging the beach resort into darkness with no electricity or communication. This serves as a painful reminder of the destructive force of Hurricane Otis.
As the ferocious hurricane made landfall in the southern state of Guerrero, Jamie Villanueva and his partner Barbara found themselves seeking shelter on the 21st floor of the Solar Ocean Hotel. Otis relentlessly battered the building as they huddled together, preparing for the worst.
⚡🌀#Mexico – This is how Club de Yates de Acapulco yacht club looks like after Otis Hurricane.
📹 Pepe Hanan #HurricaneOtis #Huracan #Otis #Acapulco #México #Guerrero pic.twitter.com/AWvFXVmkf8
— X News Monitor (@xNewsMonitor) October 26, 2023
The deafening sound of howling winds and crashing waves outside was deafening, and the two feared for their safety as the hurricane intensified.
“It felt like a dream. What is this? We’re alive,” said Villanueva. “I don’t know how we’re alive, but we’re alive.”
With the break of dawn, the true extent of the chaos was revealed, leaving Villanueva to witness the tragic aftermath.
The scene below served as a stark reminder of the destructive power of nature. Buildings lay in ruins, roofs and walls torn apart, windows shattered, cars submerged, and debris strewn everywhere. The heart of Acapulco was filled with mangled tree remains.
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October 25, 2023
Acapulco, Mexico
Devastating images coming out of Acapulco, Mexico after Hurricane Otis made landfall as a category five storm. Maximum sustained winds were clocked at 160 mph.
We wish these people better days. pic.twitter.com/AJUd6tPr8t
— Joseph Pino (@JosephPino_) October 26, 2023
Additionally, Hurricane Otis inflicted damage on the infrastructure, cutting off residents from the outside world due to disrupted communication lines. The Mexican National Guard continues to work on clearing the roads leading to coastal communities.
Despite the damage, there have been no reported casualties so far, but search and rescue operations are still in the early stages.
Remnants of Otis are expected to bring additional rainfall totaling between 4 and 6 inches through Guerrero and the western coastal areas of Oaxaca until Thursday. This rainfall is likely to lead to sudden floods and urban flooding, as well as mudslides in elevated regions.
Hurricane Otis Aftermath
| Event | Impact |
|---|---|
| Death Toll | At least 27 confirmed deaths, with four individuals still missing in the region. |
| Infrastructure Damage | Acapulco faces severe damage, including collapsed buildings and a lack of electricity and communication. |
| Survivor’s Account | Jamie Villanueva and Barbara describe their harrowing experience surviving the hurricane on the 21st floor of a hotel. |
| Search and Rescue Efforts | Mexican National Guard is working to clear roads and begin search and rescue operations. |
| Ongoing Concerns | Remnants of Otis may cause additional rainfall, potentially leading to floods and mudslides. |
