Hurricane John Strikes Mexico: A Call for Urgent Preparedness
Hurricane John made landfall on the coasts of Oaxaca and Guerrero at 9:20 p.m. on Monday night, rapidly transforming from a Category 3 hurricane to a tropical storm by 3:15 a.m. Tuesday. The U.S. National Hurricane Center reported that the storm's center is located 45 kilometers north-northwest of Acapulco, with maximum sustained winds of 110 km/h and gusts reaching up to 140 km/h. As John approaches the Mexican Pacific, it is expected to bring extraordinary rainfall, with estimates exceeding 250 mm in Oaxaca and Guerrero, and torrential rains in Chiapas, Veracruz, and Puebla.
In response to the impending storm, President Andrés Manuel López Obrador urged residents to seek higher ground and prioritize their safety over material possessions. He emphasized the importance of life, stating, “material things can be replaced.” The National Meteorological Service (SMN) has issued warnings for heavy to very heavy rainfall across central Mexico, including the Valley of Mexico, as John's cloud bands spread across the region.
Emergency Measures Activated Amidst Rising Threats
The Mexican Navy has activated its emergency plans, deploying troops in Huatulco, Acapulco, and Puerto Chiapas for search and rescue operations if necessary. Authorities have established prevention zones along the coast from Acapulco to Huatulco, with calls for extreme caution due to potential flooding, landslides, and high waves. The SMN reiterated the need for residents to heed the recommendations from the National Civil Protection System.
Hurricane John’s approach comes on the heels of Hurricane Otis, which devastated Acapulco in October 2023, causing significant economic losses and human casualties. The fear of facing another catastrophic storm has prompted heightened alertness among residents and authorities alike, as they prepare for the potential impacts of John.
As the storm continues to evolve, the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) has mobilized emergency response teams, deploying thousands of workers and equipment to ensure swift restoration of services post-storm. The situation remains critical as Mexico braces for the full force of Hurricane John, with heavy rains and strong winds expected to affect multiple states including Guerrero, Oaxaca, and Chiapas.
