Mexico: Hurricane Otis Death Toll Rises to 48; Pope Francis Prays For Victims

Search and rescue operations continue around Guerrero State in Mexico after Hurricane Otis devastated the area, and the death toll has now risen to 48.

Meanwhile, Pope Francis says he is praying for the victims of the hurricane's devastation, assuring residents that God has not forgotten them.

Mexico's civil defense agency announced that 43 of those who died were from Acapulco, while five of the deaths were from nearby Coyuca de Benitez. The initial death toll was initially 27, but as search and rescue operations continued, it was raised to 48.

The Guerrero State Governor's Office announced that the number of missing individuals has been raised to 36 from just 10 the previous day, according to the Associated Press.

Several families of those who died from the storm held funerals for their loved ones on Sunday as they also continued looking for essentials around the devastated city of Acapulco, which is regarded as one of Mexico's premier resort cities.

Meanwhile, government workers and citizen volunteers are working around the clock to clear debris and streets clogged with muck. Many lost their homes from not just Hurricane Otis's punishing winds but also landslides. Many were killed when these landslides swallowed up homes and buried many in mud, rocks, and debris.

Many families are still looking for their relatives, some demanding authorities to be honest with them regarding the fate of their loved ones. Dozens have been seen gathering around morgues to await grim news or get a sliver of hope that their relatives are still alive.

Acapulco, a Picture of Devastation After Hurricane Otis Made Landfall in Mexico

Meanwhile, the Associated Press released images of Hurricane Otis's devastation in Acapulco, and it showed metal scaffolding that fell on top of vehicles while debris clogged the streets. Acapulco's many hotels and beach resorts looked like ruins as chairs were blown into pools while huts were torn to shreds.

Much of Acapulco is still without power, and images showed several powerlines are still down and blocking roads. Meanwhile, residents continue scrounging for supplies, with reports of many looting items from supermarkets that were also devastated by the storm.

Pope Francis Prays for Hurricane Otis Victims

During his Sunday Angelus last weekend, Pope Francis addressed the faithful in St Peter's Square and talked about the devastation that happened in Mexico, particularly in Acapulco and its surrounding areas, after it was hit by Hurricane Otis.

"I pray for the victims, for their family members and for those who have suffered damage," said the Argentina-born pontiff. He then invoked a prayer to the Virgin of Guadalupe to sustain them at this difficult time, according to Vatican News.

The Virgin of Guadalupe, or Our Lady of Guadalupe, is the patron of Mexico, and while Guadalupe is considered far away from Acapulco, the Virgin of Guadalupe is still very much venerated in the resort city.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

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