Acapulco Without Communications Following Hurricane Otis

Otis blindsided the state of Guerrero, going from a tropical storm to a Category 5 hurricane in a matter of hours. Acapulco, site of the XXXV Mining Convention, as well as other cities in the state, are currently facing the worst of the disaster, with very little time to prepare beforehand. 

After touching ground, the storm is moving through Acapulco and the state of Guerrero. Otis became a Category 5 hurricane yesterday afternoon, 12 hours after being declared a tropical storm. Its condition improved as the evening moved forward and the Mexican government reported this morning that the hurricane is now a Category 1 storm. 

According to the National Water Commission (CONAGUA), Otis is causing extraordinary rains in Guerrero, heavy rains in Michoacán and State of Mexico, and strong rains in Morelos, Puebla and Oaxaca. In Guerrero, winds of between 130km/h and 150km/h are expected, as well as waves of between 3m and 5m. 

The city of Acapulco, host of the XXXV Mining Convention, has been one of the worst affected areas following this disaster. Possible program changes were anticipated since yesterday due to the hurricane’s development, keeping in mind the safety of all attendees, reported Jorge Troncoso, Head of Security, Industrias Peñoles. The event, however, has already been officially canceled. 

President López Obrador reported property damage but no loss of lives. Nevertheless, communications are down in Acapulco due to the severe weather conditions. Authorities have announced the discontinuation of the hurricane effect prevention zone from Punta Maldonado to the west of Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, and established a storm effect prevention zone from Punta Maldonado to the west of Acapulco, Guerrero.

The rapid escalation of Otis’ condition surprised residents and prevention bodies, alike. However, this appears to have become more regular, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Sixth Assessment Report. As the climate crisis continues to elevate ocean temperatures, the likelihood of rapid intensification also rises, the Water fraction of the report states.

Otis is expected to lose steam as it moves inland and traverses the elevated terrain of Guerrero and Michoacan, with a probable dissipation by Wednesday night. In the meantime, López Obrador has urged residents along the coast of Guerrero to take refuge and avoid proximity to rivers, streams, and ravines in anticipation of the storm’s arrival.

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