Hurricane John, a powerful storm that struck Mexico’s southern Pacific coast, has claimed at least 13 lives and caused widespread damage across several states. The Category 3 hurricane made landfall near Punta Maldonado late Monday night, bringing with it destructive winds, heavy rainfall, and the threat of severe flooding.
John’s swift escalation from a tropical storm to a major hurricane within hours took officials and residents by surprise, prompting a hasty response to warn communities of the impending danger. With maximum sustained winds reaching 120 mph (190 km/h), the storm blew tin roofs off houses, triggered mudslides, and toppled scores of trees.
The death toll from Hurricane John currently stands at 13, with the majority of casualties occurring in the states of Guerrero and Oaxaca. Two people died when a mudslide crashed into their home in Acapulco, while several others were reported missing in the aftermath of the storm.
In Puerto Escondido, a popular tourist destination, businesses were forced to shut down after authorities ordered the cessation of all activities on the main beaches. Social media videos from the area showed tourists navigating through heavy rainfall in flip-flops, while fishermen rushed to retrieve their boats from the water.
The state governments of Guerrero and Oaxaca announced the suspension of classes in several coastal areas on Tuesday. Oaxaca’s governor reported that 3,000 individuals had been evacuated, 80 shelters had been established, and 1,000 military and state personnel had been deployed to manage the crisis.
Meteorologists have expressed concern that Hurricane John could stall after making landfall, potentially lingering over the coastal area and leading to more extensive damage. The storm’s impact is particularly devastating for the region, which faced significant destruction last year from Hurricane Otis, another rapidly intensifying storm.
AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Matt Benz linked the unexpected surge in John’s intensity to warmer ocean temperatures, which serve as fuel for hurricanes. He noted that rapid intensification has become more frequent in recent years, indicating that climate change is playing a significant role in the increasing severity of storms.
President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum stated that her administration plans to enhance the early warning system, similar to the one in place for earthquakes.
As rescue and recovery efforts continue in the affected areas, authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and follow safety guidelines. The Mexican government has mobilized resources to provide aid to those in need and to assist in the rebuilding process.
