At least 15 people have died as a result of the devastating impact of Hurricane John, according to Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador. The hurricane, initially making landfall as a category three storm on Mexico’s Pacific coast near Acapulco, has left a trail of destruction in its wake, prompting widespread evacuations and flooding.

After weakening over the mountains of Guerrero state, the storm unexpectedly regained strength over the Pacific Ocean and hit the coast for a second time. Meteorologists have dubbed it a “zombie storm” due to its unusual resurgence, a term coined by the U.S. National Weather Service in 2020 to describe storms that dissipate and then regenerate.

Heavy Rains Cause Landslides and Flooding

While Hurricane John caused significant damage by toppling trees and damaging buildings, it was the days of relentless rain that led to the most casualties. Some areas, particularly in the states of Guerrero and Oaxaca, saw almost a year’s worth of rainfall in just a few days. Landslides buried homes and roads, leaving entire communities isolated and forcing many residents to seek safety on rooftops or in shelters.

In Oaxaca, over 80 landslides were reported, with numerous homes destroyed and lives lost as the storm raged on. Acapulco, a resort city still recovering from last year’s Hurricane Otis, was once again hit hard, with roads submerged and neighborhoods transformed into rivers.

Thousands Displaced, Rescue Operations Ongoing

More than 5,000 people have been evacuated, and around 3,800 individuals are currently sleeping in temporary shelters. In the aftermath of the storm, Acapulco officials called on residents who owned boats to assist in rescue operations, as many people were trapped in flooded areas.

Residents have taken to social media to share videos of themselves wading through shoulder-high floodwaters. Many families were forced to climb onto their roofs to avoid being swept away by the rising waters. 

Government Response and Assistance

Mexico’s incoming president, Claudia Sheinbaum, has promised to visit the affected areas in Guerrero state with her ministers to ensure that all necessary aid is delivered to those in need. She is scheduled to take office on Tuesday and has committed to prioritizing recovery efforts.

As rescue and recovery operations continue, officials are warning of additional landslides and flooding as rains are expected to persist in the region. The death toll is likely to rise as more areas become accessible and the full scale of the damage is assessed.