Foreign Office cautions against travel to hurricane-hit Mexican beach resort
Harry KembleThe Foreign Office (FCDO) is advising against all but essential travel to Acapulco after the Mexican beach resort was ravaged by Category 5 storm, Hurricane Otis, last week.
Hurricane Otis pounded Acapulco with winds of up to 165mph on Wednesday (25 October), flooding the city, tearing roofs from dwellings – including hotels – and cutting communications.
The death toll from the storm rose to 39 on Saturday (28 October), the Mexican government said.
To evacuate tourists, an air bridge between Acapulco and Mexico City was set up after authorities reopened the city’s airport. Commercial flights are still not operating.
The airport had been forced to shut after Hurricane Otis hit the country’s Pacific south coast on Wednesday.
On Sunday (29 October), the FCDO updated its advice, warning: “The Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office now advises against all but essential travel to the city of Acapulco.
“Hurricane Otis caused significant damage to infrastructure in Acapulco and along Mexico’s southern coast between Zihuatenejo and Punta Maldonado, including hotels, transport, communications and health services.
“There have been reports of looting and robbery, given the scarce supplies of food, water and fuel.”
It added: “The National Guard have deployed to the region to help with disaster efforts. You should follow the advice of local authorities, including the National Guard. The Mexican civil protection secretariat offers local disaster advice, including hurricane shelter locations.”
The FCDO said the post-storm situation remained "dangerous" in Acapulco and the wider state of Guerrero.
“There may be further flooding and mudslides,” the FCDO added. “Be aware that historically more accidents occur post-storm than during it.”
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