Hurricane John made landfall on Mexico’s southern Pacific coast as a Category 3 storm, catching authorities off guard due to its rapid intensification. The storm had maximum sustained winds of 120 mph and was expected to bring catastrophic flash flooding and mudslides. Residents in coastal areas were urged to seek higher ground and take precautions.
Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador issued a warning on social media, advising people to protect themselves and evacuate if necessary. Forecasters projected that the storm would hit tourist hubs like Acapulco and Puerto Escondido before turning into a tropical storm inland.
In response to the approaching storm, authorities in Oaxaca and Guerrero states suspended classes and set up shelters for evacuees. There were concerns that the slow-moving hurricane could cause extensive damage due to prolonged rainfall. The region had been hit by a similar rapid-intensifying hurricane, Otis, the previous year, leading to widespread devastation and criticism of the government’s response.
Meteorologists warned that the impact of Hurricane John would be felt for weeks to months, with significant rainfall expected in the coming days. Authorities pledged to improve early warning systems and respond more swiftly to natural disasters in the future. The storm highlighted the increasing frequency of rapidly intensifying hurricanes, attributed to warmer ocean temperatures.
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