Tropical Storm John Hits Mexico's Pacific Coast, Bringing Flood Risks

Photo : AP

Tropical Storm John has made landfall on Mexico’s southern Pacific coast, bringing life-threatening flood potential after rapidly intensifying into a major hurricane just hours prior. The storm hit near Punta Maldonado late Monday night as a Category 3 hurricane, boasting maximum sustained winds of 120 mph (190 kph). However, it weakened to tropical storm status early Tuesday, with sustained winds dropping to 70 mph (110 kph), and was anticipated to weaken further as it moved inland.

Despite its weakening, the United States National Hurricane Center warned of the storm's slow pace and heavy rainfall, which could lead to catastrophic flash flooding and mudslides across several Mexican states. In a message on the social media platform X, Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador urged citizens to seek higher ground and prioritize safety over material possessions, emphasizing that life is irreplaceable.

The storm was expected to heavily impact Punta Maldonado and nearby tourist destinations, including Acapulco and Puerto Escondido, before diminishing over the mountainous terrain further inland. According to the hurricane center, there would likely be significant rainfall along the coastal regions of southwest Mexico throughout the week, raising concerns for flash floods and mudslides in Chiapas, Oaxaca, and Guerrero states.

Stay informed with the latest news. Follow DXB News Network on WhatsApp Channel 

Meteorologist Matt Benz from AccuWeather highlighted the unexpected strength of the storm, attributing it to warmer ocean temperatures that fuel hurricane intensity. He noted that such rapid intensification has become increasingly common, indicating a worrying trend linked to climate change. "These are storms that we haven’t really experienced before," Benz stated, pointing out that rapid strengthening of hurricanes is more frequent now than in the past.

As the storm's trajectory shifted, anxiety rippled through coastal cities in Oaxaca, prompting authorities to respond swiftly. Laura Velázquez, the federal coordinator of civil protection, urged residents in coastal areas to evacuate their homes and seek shelter to safeguard their lives and those of their families. "It's very important that all citizens in the coastal zone take preventive measures," Velázquez emphasized.

Businesses in Puerto Escondido, a popular tourist hub, began shutting down operations as authorities ordered the suspension of activities on the main beaches. The state governments of Guerrero and Oaxaca announced the suspension of classes on Tuesday in several coastal areas to ensure safety. Oaxaca's governor reported that the state government had evacuated around 3,000 residents and set up 80 shelters, deploying 1,000 military and state personnel to assist with emergency measures.

Social media videos from Puerto Escondido showed tourists wading through heavy rain while local fishers hastily pulled their boats from the water. Recent heavy rains had already left many roads in a precarious state, raising further concerns about access and safety.

The situation is particularly dire for the region, which recently suffered from Hurricane Otis in 2023, a rapidly intensifying storm that wreaked havoc on Acapulco. Otis caught residents off guard, causing extensive damage, power outages, and loss of life. The slow government response at that time drew significant criticism, prompting authorities to pledge faster action for future emergencies.

In response to the recent storms, President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum has indicated plans to enhance the country's early warning systems, akin to the alerts in place for earthquakes. The National Hurricane Center projects that Tropical Storm John will produce between 15 to 30 centimeters (6 to 12 inches) of rain in coastal Chiapas through Thursday, with isolated areas potentially receiving more. Along the coasts of Oaxaca and southeast Guerrero, forecasts suggest rainfall totals of 25 to 50 centimeters (10 to 20 inches), with even higher amounts in localized regions.

Meteorologist Benz warned that the impacts of the storm would likely linger for weeks to months, urging residents to remain vigilant as they navigate the aftermath of Tropical Storm John.