How Did the Zombie Storm Strike Twice and Cause Destruction Across Guerrero and Oaxaca?
Official accounts state that at least 15 individuals in Mexico have perished after a terrible storm called Hurricane John. Described by meteorologists as a “zombie storm,” the storm tore havoc throughout Mexico’s Pacific coast, especially in Guerrero and Oaxaca. Local accounts point to a far greater death toll; some sources project it to be as high as 29 in the worst affected areas.
How Did the Storm Make Two Landfalls and Cause Catastrophic Damage?
Initially a category three hurricane a week ago, Hurricane John struck the coast southeast of Acapulco with strong winds and copious rain. It weakened and dissipated over Guerrero state’s highlands, rebuilt over the Pacific Ocean, and collided with Mexico’s coast again. Originally described as a “zombie storm,” this unusual meteorological event initially surfaced in 2020 when the phrase was used to characterize storms that vanish only to resurface. “Although the storm may have passed momentarily, it damaged both landfalls terribly. The continuous rain made the second strike very strong,” meteorologists noted.
How Did Landslides and Floods Wreak Havoc?
Hurricane John dropped a lot of rain that resulted in floods and landslides, isolating many areas. “It was the days of relentless rain that proved more lethal than the winds,” said a meteorologist. With more than 15 verified deaths, Guerrero state suffered especially. According to local media, authorities trying to reach remote locations indicate that the actual degree of the devastation could still be understood. At least eighty landslides have been reported from Oaxaca state. Some of these buried houses and their occupants obstructed roadways, isolating whole communities. One witness recalled the scene: “We couldn’t go; the highways were gone. The mountain seemed to be descending upon us.
How Was Acapulco Devastated by Flooding?
Once more inundated with floods, Acapulco, the vacation city still recovering from another storm from the year before, was Severe floods in many areas brought on by torrential rain, leaving thousands of people stranded. “We’re doing everything we can to help people, but the flooding is extensive,” stated a city official who also mentioned they were asking anybody with boats to help rescue caught citizens. Videos of Acapulco citizens walking through water up to their shoulders inundated social media. Some families could be seen attempting to flee the rising waves by scaling the tops of their houses.
What Were the Mass Evacuations, and How Many Families Were Displaced?
Officials said that life-threatening circumstances drove over 5,000 individuals from their homes. Many were carried to makeshift shelters, where about 3,800 people stayed overnight. “I vanished from all. It is underwater where I live. One evacuee, residing in a shelter since the storm passed, asked, “I don’t know where to go from here.”
How Is the Government Responding, and What Are the Future Plans?
On Sunday, Mexico’s president spoke to the country, lamenting the terrible loss in Guerrero and pledging relief. “We mourn the loss of life; our first concern is to help those in need as quickly as feasible,” he stated. However, local media has expressed worries about underreporting the mortality count. According to some estimates, the three worst-affected states have seen more than twenty deaths overall; others say 29. Set to take office on Tuesday, Mexico’s next president promised to react quickly to handle the problem. She said she would visit Guerrero State on Wednesday with her cabinet members to ensure rehabilitation initiatives progress quickly. “We will make sure every one of the impacted gets the required support. Nobody will be left behind,” she reassured them.
How Did Some Areas Experience a Year's Worth of Rainfall in Days?
With some regions seeing over a year’s worth of rain in only a few days, meteorologists have emphasized the severe weather Hurricane John produced. This unheard-of volume of rain overloaded drainage systems, resulting in landslides and flash floods that carried homes and cars along. In some regions of Oaxaca, whole villages were cut off, and roads were inaccessible. “That was terrible. The road was there one minute; then it was just gone. One Mountain Village inhabitant said, “We were cut off from the world.”
How Are Rescue Efforts and Aid Organizations Helping Affected Areas?
Although rescue efforts are in progress, landslides and water keep many distant areas unreachable. To supply food, water, and medication to impacted regions, the Mexican Red Cross and other humanitarian groups have rallied. “We are reaching those stranded as fast as we can,” a Red Cross representative stated. “But the scenario is difficult; many roads are still blocked.”
What's Next for Mexico After Hurricane John?
The extent of Hurricane John’s devastation starts to show as it fades. Although most of the immediate risk has gone, Mexico—especially in Guerrero and Oaxaca—will have a difficult road toward recovery. Although the Mexican government has promised assistance to those impacted, the sheer extent of the storm’s influence has made many wonder if more might have been done to prepare for the calamity. Thousands of people are still homeless for now, awaiting the waves to recede and hoping to reconstruct their lives following one of the most catastrophic hurricanes to strike Mexico in recent memory.
