Hurricane Erick made landfall on Mexico’s southern Pacific coast early Thursday, causing significant damage in the state of Oaxaca. The storm hit near the resort town of Puerto Escondido around 5:30 a.m. local time as a Category 3 hurricane, but it quickly weakened to a Category 1 as it moved inland. Winds dropped to 85 mph (137 kph).
Residents of coastal towns began the cleanup process, with many dealing with wrecked boats and flooded streets. Fisherman Eduardo Gonzalez reported numerous sunken boats in Puerto Escondido, emphasizing the community’s resilience as they worked to support each other.
Despite the downgrade, officials warned that Erick’s heavy rains still posed serious risks. The U.S. National Hurricane Center indicated that life-threatening flooding and mudslides could occur, especially in hilly areas. Forecasts predicted up to 16 inches (41 cm) of rain in Oaxaca and neighboring Guerrero state. Additionally, Mexico’s environment ministry cautioned about dangerous waves reaching heights of 10 meters (33 feet).
As of now, no fatalities have been reported, but Laura Velazquez, head of Mexico’s civil protection agency, noted that two hospitals sustained damage and power outages affected over 120,000 users in Oaxaca. By late morning, power had been restored to about 26% of those affected.
Oaxaca Governor Salomon Jara reported that roads and highways suffered significant damage, complicating recovery efforts. Meteorologists pointed out that Erick is the earliest major hurricane to hit the eastern Pacific. Experts from AccuWeather highlighted concerns about rapid intensification of storms this season, especially as ocean temperatures rise. Areas around Acapulco remain particularly vulnerable, still recovering from Hurricane Otis earlier this year.
As the storm’s aftermath unfolds, the focus remains on recovery and ensuring safety for residents in the impacted areas.