The reported death and missing toll caused by Hurricane Otis, a powerful category 5 storm that hit the Mexican coastal city of Acapulco last week, has climbed to nearly 100.
On Wednesday, Acapulco was hit by strong winds from Otis, reaching speeds of 165mph (266km/h). This caused flooding, damage to buildings and businesses, and disrupted transportation and communication systems.
As the city’s population of almost 900,000 grew more desperate for nourishment and hydration, looting erupted.
On Monday, Evelyn Salgado, the governor of Guerrero, the state where Acapulco is located, reported that 45 individuals had been verified as deceased and 47 others were unaccounted for. These numbers were provided by state prosecutors. Salgado had previously stated on Sunday morning that the number of fatalities was 43.
On Sunday afternoon, the national civil protection authorities of Mexico reported a total of 48 fatalities, with 43 in Acapulco and five in the adjacent Coyuca de Benítez.
The government of Guerrero has reported that the deceased include an American, a British individual, and a Canadian.
During a government press conference, President Andrés Manuel López Obrador spoke on the phone with Salgado and shared statistics. The president urged local officials to guarantee the distribution of essential goods to the people of Acapulco.
According to estimations, the potential cost of destruction caused by the hurricane may reach $15 billion. To maintain order and aid in the distribution of food and supplies in Acapulco, Mexico has deployed 17,000 armed forces members.
However, problems persist.
On Sunday afternoon, a long line of approximately 150 individuals formed in the La Frontera neighborhood, waiting for water distributed by the local government. The line extended down muddy streets and residents with empty containers expressed frustration at the lengthy wait.
“Observe the multitude of our group,” expressed Emilia Rojas, as she surveyed her surroundings with a sense of hopelessness. “We are numerous. This supply of water will not suffice.”
Perla Rubi, who was on a street close by, expressed discomfort with the extended wait considering the desperation felt by numerous individuals.
“I have been here since the early hours of the morning, at 5am, taking the risk of being robbed as there have been reports of people being assaulted on the streets,” she expressed. “Why has the government not provided any assistance?”
Acapulco was hit by a disaster just seven months before the upcoming presidential election in Mexico. On Monday, López Obrador restated his belief that his critics were criticizing his handling of Otis and exaggerating its consequences for political gain.
His aggressive political attacks sparked backlash as people accused López Obrador of not taking the disaster seriously.
Source: theguardian.com
