Category 5 Hurricane Otis Slams Acapulco, Mexico, Leaving Widespread Damage
New England braces for Hurricane Lee: What to know about the storm and how to stay safe
Hurricane Otis, one of the strongest storms ever recorded in the eastern Pacific Ocean, made landfall in Mexico’s Acapulco on Wednesday as a Category 5 hurricane, with sustained winds of 185 miles per hour (298 kilometers per hour). The storm caused widespread damage to the city, with downed power lines, flooded streets, and uprooted trees.
Otis weakened slightly as it moved inland, but it remained a dangerous storm. The storm caused heavy rainfall and strong winds in several Mexican states, including Guerrero, Oaxaca, and Michoacán. The rains triggered mudslides and flash floods, which displaced thousands of people and caused widespread damage to infrastructure.
As of Thursday morning, Otis had been downgraded to a tropical storm. However, the storm was still expected to produce heavy rainfall and strong winds in parts of Mexico and Central America.
The Mexican government has deployed thousands of troops and emergency personnel to help with the relief efforts. The government is also working to restore power and water service to the affected areas.
How to Stay Safe During a Hurricane
If you live in an area that is prone to hurricanes, it is important to be prepared. Here are some tips on how to stay safe during a hurricane:
- Have a plan in place. This includes knowing where to go and what to do if your home is evacuated.
- Make sure your home is hurricane-ready. This includes boarding up windows, securing loose objects, and trimming trees.
- Stock up on supplies. This includes food, water, medication, and other essentials.
- Stay informed. Monitor the weather forecast and follow the instructions of local authorities.
How to Help Those Affected by Hurricane Otis
If you are able to help those affected by Hurricane Otis, there are a number of ways to do so. You can donate to charities that are providing relief aid, or you can volunteer your time to help with the cleanup effort.
Here are some organizations that are providing relief aid to those affected by Hurricane Otis:
- Mexican Red Cross
- UNICEF Mexico
- Save the Children Mexico
You can also volunteer your time to help with the cleanup effort. To find out how to volunteer, contact your local emergency management office.
