Tropical storm “John” struck the southern Pacific coast of Mexico on Monday (September 23) with the force of a Category 3 hurricane, toppling numerous trees and power lines. The heavy rainfall triggered by the storm has caused secondary disasters such as floods and landslides, resulting in at least 3 deaths.
According to the Mexican National Meteorological Service, on Monday night, “John” made landfall near Marquelia in Guerrero state as a Category 3 hurricane, with maximum sustained winds reaching 120 miles per hour (190 kilometers per hour). It brought strong winds and heavy rain to Guerrero, Oaxaca, and Chiapas states, before rapidly weakening to a tropical storm over the inland highlands.
The hurricane has caused severe damage to some cargo ports and top beach resorts in the country’s southern region. Puerto Escondido and Huatulco airport, popular tourist destinations located at the southern tip of Oaxaca state, have been temporarily closed.
Evelyn Salgado, the governor of Guerrero state, reported at a briefing on Tuesday (24th) that in the town of Tlacoachistlahuaca, a house collapsed due to a landslide caused by heavy rains, resulting in the unfortunate deaths of 2 people. The Guerrero State Civil Protection agency also confirmed one fatality in Malinaltepec, a mountain town in Guerrero state.
Furthermore, the hurricane has caused many trees and power lines to fall in Acapulco, a seaside resort city in Guerrero state. Power lines have been damaged as well. Temporary shelters have been set up in the state to assist affected residents.
The remnants of Tropical Storm “John” are currently located approximately 70 miles (113 kilometers) northwest of Acapulco, moving further inland at a speed of 3 miles per hour (5 kilometers per hour), according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center. Although its maximum sustained winds have significantly weakened, the center warns that flash floods could still occur in some southwestern areas of Mexico in the coming days.