The Mexican beach resort of Acapulco is once again facing the fury of a major hurricane. Local authorities report that Hurricane Polo, which has intensified to Category 5 strength, is already generating strong winds and dangerous swells along the Pacific coast city’s shoreline.
City officials have moved quickly to protect residents and visitors. Boats have been pulled from the water and secured, schools have canceled classes, and tourists have been warned to stay away from beaches and low-lying areas as the storm churns offshore.
The news is stirring painful memories for a city still recovering from disaster. Nearly three years ago, Hurricane Otis—also a Category 5 storm—slammed into Acapulco with little warning, causing catastrophic damage to hotels, homes, and infrastructure and killing dozens of people. That storm exposed serious gaps in Mexico’s hurricane forecasting and emergency response systems.
Now, with Polo threatening the same stretch of coastline, officials appear determined not to repeat past mistakes, moving swiftly to evacuate vulnerable areas and limit the storm’s impact. As of the latest reports, the full extent of Polo’s effects on Acapulco remained unclear, with authorities continuing to monitor the situation closely.
For the complete story and latest updates from Acapulco, read the original report from Reforma.
Source: Golpea a Acapulco oleaje de huracán (Reforma).
Image: UNC Sea Grant College Program.