22 dead as Storm John hits Mexico

The remnants of Hurricane John have wreaked havoc across southwestern Mexico, leading to at least 22 confirmed deaths and widespread destruction. Local authorities reported that the majority of casualties occurred in Guerrero, the hardest-hit state, where 18 people lost their lives, many due to devastating mudslides that crushed homes.

Three additional deaths were reported in Oaxaca, while a young boy drowned in a river in Michoacan state.

The storm initially struck the Pacific coastline on Monday, rapidly intensifying into a Category 3 hurricane before making landfall in Guerrero.

After weakening, it reemerged over the ocean and continued to skim the coast, dumping torrential rains and causing severe flooding and landslides.

By Friday, John had dissipated and was no longer classified as an active storm, but its aftermath continued to pose serious challenges for local residents.

Drone footage captured on September 28 showed extensive flooding in areas like Lazaro Cardenas, Michoacan, where overflowing rivers inundated homes and businesses.

Acapulco, a major resort city, faced significant challenges as emergency responders were deployed to carry out rescue operations.

Guerrero State Governor Evelyn Salgado shared updates on X, highlighting the use of boats, jet skis, and helicopters to assist those trapped by rising waters.

“The situation is dire, with some roads submerged up to waist height,” Salgado reported, emphasizing that access to the Acapulco airport was reestablished on Saturday morning.

Residents were evacuated from flooded neighborhoods on dinghies and surfboards, many appealing for urgent assistance as the city faces a second disaster less than a year after Hurricane Otis struck.

Hurricane Otis, which occurred in October 2023, was a Category 5 storm that rapidly intensified, leading to over 50 fatalities and causing approximately $15 billion in damages. Residents noted that the rainfall from Storm John nearly tripled the amount generated by Otis, leading to fears of even more severe consequences. “We haven’t seen the sun since Monday. This time has been more devastating,” lamented local resident Jazmin Barrera.

Authorities warned that further heavy rainfall and thunderstorms were expected across Guerrero and parts of Oaxaca, though reports indicated that floodwaters were beginning to recede in Acapulco.

President Andrés Manuel Lopez Obrador announced that shelters and kitchens had been set up to assist the displaced, assuring the public that aid would continue for those affected.

Meteorologists attribute the increasing intensity and frequency of hurricanes like John to warmer ocean temperatures, which provide more energy for storms.

This phenomenon has left coastal communities with less time to prepare for impending disasters.

Meanwhile, the impacts of another major storm, Hurricane Helene, are being felt in the United States.

Helene made landfall late Thursday as a Category 4 hurricane, resulting in catastrophic flooding and power outages across eastern and midwestern states.

As of the latest reports, at least 44 people have died, with South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, and Virginia reporting fatalities.

Repair crews are actively working to restore power and clear debris, but the path of destruction left by Helene has created a significant challenge for affected communities.

The storm’s rapid intensification and its subsequent trajectory underscore the growing unpredictability of hurricane patterns, further complicating recovery efforts in regions still reeling from the effects of Storm John in Mexico.