In a devastating turn of events, Hurricane John has left a trail of destruction in its wake across Mexico’s Pacific coast. According to authorities, the death toll has now risen to at least 16, with the potential for even more casualties. Climate change is likely playing a significant role in the intensification of these natural disasters, as warmer oceans provide more fuel for these powerful storms. As the country grapples with the aftermath, the call for swift and effective action to address the root causes of climate change has never been more urgent.
Hurricane John Jumps All His Landlines
John made first landfall here as a Category 2 hurricane two days ago before oncoming across the Gulf and his second landfall this morning sent cars careening down freshly created rivers in Mazatlan. The storm struck Acapulco as a high-end Category 3, flooding that beachside city with panic and chaos.
The storm reportedly buried cars (all of which were empty) deep in sand and collapsed a bridge. Driven by powerful winds and incessant rain, the floods triggered evacuation of more than 5,000 people from high-risk areas, with some 3,800 evacuees taking shelter in evacuation centers. Residents are still working to clean up the damage.
The Human Cost and the Warning Hedge
The loss of life in the wake of this storm was stunning, with a death toll already at 16 and poised to climb higher. Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said 15 lost their lives in Guerrero, the state with the highest number of deaths after another life was taken in neighboring Oaxaca.
The nation is grieving for the loss of life, and the need to act on climate change more aggressively seems clearer with every passing hour. These high level hurricanes are growing in number with increasing frequency and the toll on already disadvantaged communities is heart-wrenching. In a statement, the incoming president Claudia Sheinbaum vowed to tour the affected communities and guarantee all of the help needed is given to those in need.
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The tragedy of Hurricane John is an example and at the same time a clear lesson on what we need for integral strategies when addressing disasters. More than 18,000 military and rescue personnel have been deployed following the storm’s destruction illustrating the monumental task facing them.
Lessons need to be learnt and steps taken to future-proof the country from these disasters in the future. This includes bolstering infrastructure to withstand the worsening beating by hurricanes as well as setting up effective severe weather warning systems and evacuation protocols.
What is more, the root cause of climate need to be solved on a long-term basis. Through the transition to green energies, lessening Greenhouse Gas emissions and sustainable development can be worken together so that Mexico, and humanity as a whole, build a stronger future. There is a very real possibility that events this catastrophic could become the new norm and it will be through collective action and a continued commitment to environmental stewardship that we will be able to change course.
