Hurricane John Kills 15 in Mexico as “Zombie Storm” Causes Devastation Across Pacific Coast

Hurricane John has claimed the lives of at least 15 people in Mexico, according to President Andrés Manuel López Obrador. The storm initially struck Mexico’s Pacific coast near Acapulco as a category-three hurricane before weakening over Guerrero’s mountains. However, it later regained strength over the Pacific Ocean, leading meteorologists to refer to it as a “zombie storm.”

This term, coined by the US National Weather Service in 2020, describes a storm that dissipates but reforms again. The hurricane caused widespread devastation, with landslides and floods isolating many communities.

The storm’s effects were particularly severe in the resort city of Acapulco, where roads turned into rivers due to heavy rains. The torrential downpours were responsible for more destruction than the hurricane’s initial winds, with some areas receiving almost a year’s worth of rainfall in just a few days.

As a result, landslides and flooding severely impacted regions like Oaxaca, where numerous landslides buried homes and residents. Rescue efforts were complicated by impassable roads, leaving many isolated and in urgent need of aid.

Local media reports suggest the death toll may be higher than the official figures, with some estimating that over 20 people have died, and others suggesting the number could be as high as 29. Communities in the three worst-affected states have been hit hard by the storm, with Oaxaca reporting over 80 landslides.

Many residents were forced to evacuate as floodwaters rose, while others used boats or sought refuge on rooftops. In Acapulco, officials requested the help of boat owners to rescue those stranded by the floods.

More than 5,000 people were evacuated, and around 3,800 were placed in emergency shelters as the storm wreaked havoc across the affected areas. Many families posted videos online, showing the extent of the flooding and their struggle to escape the rising waters. Acapulco, still reeling from Hurricane Otis last year, faces another tough recovery period as it deals with significant damage to infrastructure and homes.

Mexico’s incoming president, Claudia Sheinbaum, announced plans to visit Guerrero state alongside her ministers on Wednesday. She pledged that the government would ensure all necessary assistance reaches the people affected by the storm. As Mexico braces for the long recovery process, the focus remains on providing immediate aid and support to those displaced or impacted by Hurricane John’s destructive path.