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Puerto Escondido, Mexico — Hurricane John made landfall along Mexico’s southern Pacific coast, escalating rapidly to a major hurricane and prompting urgent safety measures for residents. The storm hit close to Punta Maldonado late Monday night, categorized as a Category 3 hurricane with maximum sustained winds reaching 120 mph. In light of the storm’s unexpected intensity, local authorities faced a challenge in disseminating warnings about potential destruction and hazards.
“Seek higher ground, protect yourselves, and remember that life is the most important thing; material possessions can always be replaced. We are here for you,” stated Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador via the social media platform X.
As of early Tuesday, John had weakened to a Category 2 hurricane, maintaining winds of up to 100 mph, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center. The storm was anticipated to continue affecting nearby regions, notably the tourist destinations of Acapulco and Puerto Escondido, before diminishing over the mountainous terrain inland.
The National Hurricane Center warned that before landfall, life-threatening storm surges and flash flooding posed a significant risk along the Pacific coast, particularly near Oaxaca.
Hurricane John’s Rapid Intensification Highlighting New Risks
The unexpected intensification of Hurricane John took both experts and residents by surprise. Senior Meteorologist Matt Benz from AccuWeather pointed to elevated ocean temperatures as a contributing factor, which enhances the fuel supply for hurricanes, leading to their increased intensity.
“We are witnessing storms unlike those of the past,” Benz noted. He elaborated that rapid intensification events are becoming more frequent in recent times compared to historical patterns. “Something is occurring that we need to pay close attention to,” he added.
Meteorologists define rapid intensification as a 24-hour period during which a tropical cyclone increases its maximum sustained winds by at least 30 knots (approximately 35 mph), as stipulated by the U.S. National Hurricane Center.
In the coastal cities of Oaxaca, the atmosphere was charged with anxiety as changing forecasts prompted swift actions from local authorities. Laura Velázquez, the federal civil protection coordinator, urged residents to evacuate their homes and seek shelter to prioritize their safety and that of their families.
“It is crucial for all citizens in the coastal zones to take preventative measures,” Velázquez emphasized.
At Puerto Escondido, restaurant worker Ana Aldai shared that local businesses immediately began to close following authorities’ orders to halt operations on beaches. The Guerrero and Oaxaca state governments announced the cancellation of classes in several coastal areas on Tuesday.
According to the governor of Oaxaca, approximately 3,000 individuals had been evacuated, and 80 shelters were established. Additionally, about 1,000 military and state personnel were deployed to assist with the emergency response.
Videos circulating on social media from Puerto Escondido depicted tourists navigating through heavy rains and fishermen retrieving their boats from the water. Pre-existing heavy rainfall had already rendered some roads in the area hazardous.
Aldai expressed her frustration at the rapid announcement from authorities, stating, “There was no time to make essential purchases, which adds to our stress.”
A New Challenge for a Region Still Recovering from Last Year’s Hurricane Otis
Benz expressed concern that once John reaches land, it could potentially stall, resulting in extended battering of the coastal zone and exacerbating the damage inflicted.
This new hurricane poses a fresh challenge for a region still recovering from the aftermath of Hurricane Otis, a rapidly intensifying storm that struck last year.
Otis wreaked havoc in Acapulco, catching residents off guard regarding its strength, and became noted as one of the most rapid intensification events recorded. Scientists have connected these severe storms to ongoing climate shifts.
The destruction from Otis left many in the city without electricity for days, created a chaotic atmosphere with families searching for missing loved ones, and prompted widespread looting in stores as desperate residents sought food and water.
In response to the criticisms regarding governmental response time to Otis, authorities have promised improvements to disaster preparedness. President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum has committed to enhancing early warning systems akin to those already in place for seismic events.
Through Thursday, forecasts indicate that Hurricane John could deliver between 6 to 12 inches of rain to the coastal regions of Chiapas state, with isolated areas possibly receiving more. Along the coast from Oaxaca to southeast Guerrero, rainfall amounts could reach between 10 to 20 inches, with some locations experiencing even higher totals through the week.
“The effects of the storm may be felt for several weeks to months following its passing,” Benz warned, underscoring the long-term nature of such environmental events.
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