Tropical Storm John Batters Mexico’s Pacific Coast: Acapulco Faces Severe Flooding and Mudslides
Staff Editor Tropical Storm John Strikes Mexico’s Pacific Coast for Second Time
Tropical Storm John made its second landfall along Mexico’s Pacific coast on Friday, bringing heavy rainfall and causing severe flooding in coastal areas. The storm, which initially made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane on Monday, came ashore near Tizupan in Michoacan state with sustained winds of 45 mph (75 kmh).
The impact of John has been devastating, with authorities in Acapulco calling for assistance from anyone with a boat to help deal with the extensive flooding. The storm has caused significant damage, including blowing tin roofs off houses, triggering mudslides, and toppling trees.
In Acapulco, still recovering from Hurricane Otis, a year’s worth of rain fell in a matter of days, leading to extreme flooding. The city government has initiated boat rescues in low-lying neighborhoods and appealed to the public for help. Tourism companies have also joined the effort, using personal watercraft and small boats for rescue operations.
Civil protection coordinator Efrén Valdez reported that boats were being utilized for more effective evacuations, with a significant number of water rescues conducted on Friday. The situation remains critical as Acapulco’s airport remains closed, and the main highway to Mexico City is intermittently blocked by landslides.
The storm has claimed at least eight lives so far. One boy was swept away by floodwaters in Acapulco, while four others were killed in different parts of Guerrero state. Additionally, three people died in the neighboring state of Oaxaca due to floods or mudslides related to the storm.
As of early Friday, John was churning along the coast of Michoacan state, located about 55 miles west of the port Lazaro Cardenas. The storm was moving north-northwest at 3 mph with maximum sustained winds of 60 mph.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as rescue efforts persist in the affected areas. Over 1,200 people have been moved to shelters due to the flooding, highlighting the storm’s widespread impact on local communities.
