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CHATTANOOGA (mocsnews.com) – Hurricane John hit Mexico’s southern Pacific coast Monday night causing extensive damage due to high winds and heavy rainfall.
Hurricane John formed from a tropical storm to a major hurricane in a matter of hours, catching authorities and residents alike off guard.
In response to the now category 3 hurricane, Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador stated “seek higher ground, protect yourselves and do not forget that life is the most important thing; material things can be replaced. We are here.”
John hit land near Punta Maldonado and is likely to continue through nearby tourist destinations Acapulco and Puerto Escondido.
According to local meteorologists, the warmer oceans are adding fuel to the hurricane. The U.S environmental Protection Agency attributes this to climate change, or the increased trapping of heat by greenhouse gases.
Laura Velázquez, the federal coordinator of civil protection, urged citizens to evacuate their homes and protect themselves over all else.
Many local governments are taking preventative measures such as cancelling classes, suspending work, setting up shelters, and sending out military and state personnel to address the dire situation.
Despite reports of tourists continuing to stay on the beaches, the U.S National Hurricane Center warned of life threatening conditions along the coast.
These threatening conditions are exemplified due to the recent development that two people who’s identities have not been released, have died in a mudslide according to The Guardian.
Ready.gov states some key aspects to protecting ourselves and our loved ones from a hurricane: make an emergency plan, recognize warnings and alerts, review important documents, gather supplies, know your evacuation zone, and strengthen your home.
Through Thursday, John is expected to produce up to 30cm of rainfall across coastal areas and is expected to have higher isolated totals as the storm continues to ravage Mexico.
