Hurricane John: Death toll rises to 16 in Mexico

Acapulco, Mexico: The death toll from Hurricane John, which struck Mexico's Pacific coast twice, has reached at least 16, according to authorities on Sunday. Outgoing President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador reported that 15 people died in Guerrero state, while a civil protection official in Oaxaca confirmed another death there. Some reports suggest the number of fatalities may be as high as 20.

Hurricane John made landfall on Tuesday as a Category 3 hurricane and then continued along the coast before hitting land again as a tropical storm. The storm severely affected Acapulco, causing panic among residents still reeling from the devastation of Hurricane Otis, a Category 5 storm that caused extensive damage and many deaths last October.

In Acapulco, cars were buried in deep sand, and a bridge collapsed due to the storm’s impact. Authorities reported that around 18,000 military and rescue personnel were deployed to assist with the response. Over 5,000 people were evacuated from high-risk areas, with about 3,800 taken to shelters.

By Sunday, water levels had begun to recede, and cleanup operations were in progress. Many residents roamed the muddy streets of Acapulco, searching for food and fuel or waiting for emergency assistance.

President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum, set to take office on Tuesday, announced plans to visit Guerrero state with her ministers the day after her swearing-in to assess the situation and ensure "all the necessary assistance."

Hurricanes regularly impact Mexico's Pacific and Atlantic coasts, typically from May to November. In July, Hurricane Beryl caused evacuations and resulted in at least 18 deaths across the Caribbean, Venezuela, and the United States.

Meanwhile, rescue teams in the southeastern United States continue to assist those affected by Hurricane Helene, which has also resulted in numerous fatalities. Scientists indicate that climate change may contribute to the rapid intensification of hurricanes, as warmer ocean temperatures provide more energy for these storms.

Agency