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Hurricane Otis aftermath: Picture of devastation in Acapulco

07:00
28 October 2023

Hurricane Otis aftermath
Picture of devastation in Acapulco

Hurricane Otis on WindRadar approaching MexicoHurricane Otis made an impact on our WindRadar when it reached Mexico late on October 24.

Days after Category 5 Hurricane Otis made landfall in Mexico, the true impact of the historic system is being uncovered with communication lines restored.

At least 27 people have been confirmed to have passed away after the record-breaking system, with popular tourist destination Acapulco devastated.

Otis made landfall late Tuesday evening, destroying properties, infrastructure, and communication systems. Torrential rainfall resulted in surface flooding, while a large storm surge inundated coastal areas of Acapulco.

People walk through severely damaged streetDestroyed huts on beach after hurricaneDamaged high-rise buildingsCar drives through flooded road outside airport
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Locals walk through the aftermath of Hurricane Otis in Acapulco. - © picture alliance

More than 1,000 workers are in the city trying to rebuild the electricity grid with Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador stating that there was not a single standing electric pole in the immediate aftermath of the event.

Over half a million properties in total lost power, although by Thursday at least 40% has seen electricity restored.

Otis made history with an explosive intensification from a mere tropical storm to Category 5 Hurricane in just 12 hours, the fastest ever recorded. Meaning there was little time for officials to make emergency plans.

More than 10,000 military personnel were also deployed to Acapulco and the greater Guerrero state helping clear debris as Otis dissipated soon after making landfall, hampered by the mountainous terrain of the area.

Searching continues for at least four people known to be missing, with bulldozers being used to shift deep mud which has covered roads.

With the extent of the damage, the impact of Hurricane Otis will be felt in the city for years to come.

From the day: Otis makes landfallread more
Ryan Hathaway
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