Hurricane John struck the southern Pacific coast of Mexico with fierce winds and heavy rainfall, rapidly intensifying into a Category 3 hurricane with winds of 190km/h. The storm hit near Punta Maldonado in Guerrero, south of Acapulco and Puerto Escondido, prompting warnings of storm surges and flash floods. President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador urged residents to seek shelter and protect themselves.
The region had been devastated by Hurricane Otis last year, which caused widespread destruction in Acapulco and left 47 people dead. Scientists believe that warmer oceans are contributing to the rapid intensification of hurricanes, making surprises in their strength more common.
As Hurricane John hit Mexico, another potential hurricane was developing on the Gulf coast, causing tension among residents. Evacuations were ordered in coastal areas, and classes were suspended in Guerrero and Oaxaca states. The government mobilized resources to address the emergency and work on improving early alert systems.
AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Matt Benz expressed concern that John could slow down once it hits land, causing prolonged damage to the coastal zone. The response to Hurricane Otis was criticized for being slow, but authorities have pledged to act more swiftly this time. Plans are in place to improve early warning systems and response mechanisms to ensure the safety of residents in the event of future natural disasters.
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