Residents of the southwestern regions of Mexico are still struggling with the effects of Hurricane John. The element, which was called a zombie hurricane, hit the coast of this country twice within a week. It brought with it heavy rain, mudslides and floods. At least 22 people died.
John hit the state of Guerrero on Monday as a Category 3 hurricane on the five-point ascending Saffir-Simpson scale. After temporarily dissipating, the element was revived and returned to Mexico. By the end of the week, it was moving north along the coast, bringing heavy rain and flooding.
Terrible weather conditions forced many people to evacuate. At least 22 people died as a result of the disaster, the Reuters news agency reported.
Zombie hurricane. Where does the name come from?
AccuWeather meteorologist Jesse Ferrell called John a zombie hurricane. This term refers to systems that dissipate and then regain strength and become storm.
The effects of Hurricane John PAP/EPA/DAVID GUZMAN
“We haven't seen the sun since Monday.”
The worst situation is in the state of Guerrero, which is one of the poorest in the country. Only there, 18 people died, mainly in mudslides that destroyed many houses.
– A lot of water fell. We haven't seen the sun since Monday – describe local residents.
According to the American station CNN, in some parts of the city of Acapulco in the state of Guerrero, more than 500 liters per square meter fell during the week. The element destroyed part of the city's infrastructure, turning the streets into raging streams. Rescuers evacuated thousands of people using jet skis.
Due to extreme weather conditions, schools, shops and the airport were closed in Acapulco. Special shelters for the injured were also established.
Local media reported three deaths in Oaxaca city. The next victim is a little boy who died in a river in the state of Michoacán.
Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador said that about 25,000 soldiers are involved in helping victims of floods and mudslides.
Replay of 2023
In October last year, the city of Acapulco was hit by category five hurricane Otis. The disaster took the lives of at least 50 people and caused losses amounting to billions of dollars. According to the Reuters news agency, the rainfall caused by this year's hurricane is three times greater than last year's disaster.
Main photo source: PAP/EPA/DAVID GUZMAN