27 Dead and 4 Missing After Hurricane Otis Leaves Path of Destruction in Acapulco, Mexico

Acapulco, Mexico (AP) – Mexican authorities have confirmed the first human toll of Hurricane Otis’ destruction along the country’s Pacific coast, with 27 reported dead and four missing. The hurricane made landfall in Acapulco on Wednesday, leaving a path of destruction in its wake.

At President Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s morning news briefing, Federal Security Secretary Rosa Icela Rodríguez reported the death toll and said four people were still missing. Governor Evelyn Salgado of Guerrero state echoed Rodríguez’s comments shortly after.

López Obrador said the destruction was so complete that not a single power line pole remained standing in the impact zone. Tens of thousands of residents in damaged homes without electricity were awaiting help more than a day after Otis roared ashore.

Small farmers were also affected by the storm, with corn crops devastated by Otis’ wind and pounding rain. People were seen walking with goods looted from a shopping mall after the hurricane.

Restoring power to the area was a priority for the government, with López Obrador saying he had ordered the army to help with the task. He also said the government would provide food, water, and medical assistance to those affected by the storm.