ACAPULCO (Reuters) – Acapulco, a popular Mexican beach resort, is still reeling from the aftermath of Hurricane Otis, which struck a month ago. Local businesses are expressing concerns that the slow recovery efforts may jeopardize the upcoming December tourist season, which is vital for the city’s economy.
Hurricane Otis, the strongest hurricane to hit Mexico’s Pacific coast, caused widespread devastation when it made landfall on October 25. It led to significant loss of life, caused billions of dollars in damage, and resulted in widespread looting. According to official reports, at least 50 people were killed, but some residents fear that the actual death toll is much higher. President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has dismissed unconfirmed media reports suggesting that the fatalities may exceed 300.
President Lopez Obrador has initiated a $3.4 billion recovery plan in an effort to rebuild Acapulco. However, local businesses are expressing concerns that time is running out to restore the city’s infrastructure and attractions in time for the crucial December season.
The head of infrastructure for a local tourism body, Jesus Zamora, emphasized the importance of the December season for Acapulco’s economy, stating that it is the most anticipated time of the year for businesses in the city. However, he also noted that it is unlikely that even 50% of the city’s hotels will be operational by December, severely limiting the capacity to host tourists.
Business groups have estimated that the damage in Acapulco amounts to around $16 billion, and fears persist that the city’s recovery may extend into 2025. The hurricane significantly impacted the city’s airport, with international flights not expected to resume until the following year.
Some local residents and businesses have already felt the impact of the hurricane’s destruction, with some individuals losing their source of livelihood due to canceled events and activities. There are ongoing challenges with the cleanup efforts, particularly in outlying neighborhoods where the accumulation of trash has become a growing concern.
Security forces are still contending with the massive amount of rubbish that has piled up in certain areas. While trash has been cleared from central areas with hotels, residents in neighborhoods like Renacimiento and Emiliano Zapata have reported the smell of rotting garbage as trash continues to accumulate.
(Reporting by Troy Merida and Raquel Cunha; Writing by Valentine Hilaire; Editing by Leslie Adler)
