Acapulco, Mexico (AP) – Authorities in southern Mexico were still measuring the rise in the river as rain from the wreckage of Hurricane Eric absorbed the area.
Intensive rain fell over the steep coastal mountains and the landslides and floods they could create, resulting in continued concern after Eric dissipated after landing on a less populated coast.
At least one person was confirmed to die late Thursday. The one-year-old boy was driven to death in a swollen river.
Eric landed the Pacific coast of southern Mexico in the morning as a major Category 3 hurricane, but between the resort cities of Acapulco and Puerto Escondido.
Authorities reported that they seriously involved storms in memory of the devastating 2023 Hurricane Otis as they trashed landslides, thwarted highways, knocked down power lines and had coastal residents in Acapulco.
As Acapulco was steady, residents and remaining tourists came out, walking outside and visiting businesses gradually opened as remains of Hurricane Eric that had been shattered inland at the resort.
In Puerto Escondido, fishermen searched and inspected the storm-threwed boat, and residents cleared fallen trees and other debris.
The threat of heavy rain remained on the sudden rising mountains behind the famous beach in Acapulco. Eric spent the day dragging through the coastal mountain ranges, causing heavy rain.
It was expected to dissipate in the mountains of Michoacan province on Thursday night.
Eric once had Category 4 strength
The U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami said Eric is in the heart of about 155 kilometers (95 miles) north-northwest of Acapulco on Thursday night. Its maximum sustained wind was 45 kph (30 mph), and was decomposed into a low pressure region. It had moved to 20 kph (13 mph) in the northwest.
Eric became stronger against Category 4 storms as he approached the coast, but weakened before landing in Category 3.
Eric doubled his strength in less than a day and ran through the ideal environment for quick reinforcement. Last year, according to the Hurricane Center, there were 34 cases of rapid strengthening when the storm reached at least 55 kph (35 mph) in 24 hours.
One death has been reported
“So far, people have responded very well,” President Claudia Sinbaum said Thursday.
However, authorities warned that heavy rains will now become a problem.
Forecasters have found that up to 40cm (16 inches) of rain could fall across Oaxaca and Guerrero, with fewer totals in Chiapas, Michoacan, Colima and Jalisco. Rainfall threatens flooding and landslides, especially in areas with steep terrain.
Late Thursday, Guerrero’s Civil Defense Director Roberto Arroyo said the one-year-old boy had died in San Marcos, an inland community southeast of Acapulco on Eric’s road. The child’s mother attempted to cross the swollen river while carrying the child, but he slipped out of her arm and died.
The residents are on an adventure
In Acapulco, restaurants, shops and supermarkets gradually reopened, but the school remained closed across Guerrero on Friday as authorities suffered, clarifying debris and continuing to monitor the rising river.
“Many of us were scared, but now it’s crossed,” said Juan Carlos Castañeda, a 49-year-old security guard at the Acapulco Mansion complex. He said, “The tragedy of Otis marked us all.”
Despite the rain, Castañeda decides to go for a walk.
As we headed down the coast of the fishing village of Barabieja, wind-covered surf struck the coast, causing heavy rains to evacuate indoors.
But Perla Rosas was one of the few who had an umbrella in his hand to reach her job at a convenience store. “I’m more relaxed now, so I decided to come to work.”
acapulco is still hurt by Otis
The residents of Acapulco were supported by Eric’s arrival with more preparation and fear, due to memories of the devastation two years ago.
In October 2023, nearly one million cities were hit by Hurricane Otis, a rapidly strengthened and many unprepared Category 5 hurricanes. At least 52 people have died in Otis, and the storm has severely damaged almost every hotel at the resort.
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Cruz reported from Puerto Escondido in Mexico.
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