Mexico: Hurricane Otis Death Toll, Total Damage, Path, Revealed

By Rick Martin First Posted: Oct 26, 2023 09:08 PM EDT

Hurricane Otis has slammed into Mexico and absolutely devastated the resort city of Acapulco, and the damage and death toll have been severe.

Hurricane Otis went from tropical storm to Category 5 hurricane in just 12 hours, catching many in Mexico off-guard. As it slammed to Acapulco, it not only flooded streets and blew off the roofs of buildings, but it also cut off communications, electricity, and road access.

As for Hurricane Otis' death toll, 27 people have been killed while government officials told Reuters that four people are still currently missing. Search and rescue efforts are still underway in Acapulco and nearby areas around Guerrero State.

"What Acapulco suffered was really disastrous," said President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador during his press conference in the devastated city. He added that the storm battered Mexico with winds of 165 miles per hour (266 kph).

Erik Lozoya, a professional magician who survived "three hours of horror," as Otis ravaged southern Mexico, spoke with Reuters and stated that while taking refuge in an Acapulco hotel room with his wife and baby daughters, he explained that the "hurricane smashed through the windows and swept through the building with a deafening intensity."

The family was able to survive but are now among the many who survived the powerful storm. As for how much damage Hurricane Otis caused, experts estimate that it is "likely approaching $15 billion."

Acapulco Still Reeling After Hurricane Otis Made Landfall

Those who live in Acapulco are still reeling as tens of thousands suffered damage to their homes and many are still left without any power. AMLO revealed that "every power-line pole in the zone" has been toppled. However, the devastation could have been much worse.

"The people sheltered, protected themselves and that's why fortunately there weren't more tragedies, loss of human life," said AMLO, who also explained that Acapulco's municipal water system was down and that restoring power back to the 500,000 homes that lost it was the government's top priority for now.

Hurricane Otis also devastated several farms along Guerrero State, with the storms destroying corn crops due to its deadly winds, according to The Oregonian. However, the loss of life and the death toll were where it hurt most.

Where Is Hurricane Otis Heading Next After Devastating Southern Mexico?

Since hitting Acapulco, Hurricane Otis has since weakened to a Category 2, which is still regarded quite powerful. It was last located northwest of Acapulco and is heading further inland, according to The Independent.

As it heads northeast, it will run into the steep mountains of Guerrero State where it is expected to lose even more power. By Wednesday night, it is expected to dissipate but a tropical storm warning has been issued to other areas, such as Punta Maldonado.

As it moves inland, Hurricane Otis is expected to affect other areas in Guerrero state, as well as Oaxaca, as it may cause "severe flooding."

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: Scenes of Hurricane Otis devastation from the 21st floor of an Acapulco hotel - NBC News