Acapulco Death Toll Rises as Mexico Reels From Hurricane

(Bloomberg) -- The death toll from Hurricane Otis has risen to 43, while 36 people are still missing, Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said Sunday in a video posted on X.

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Otis made landfall near Acapulco last week, packing 165 mile-per-hour (266 kilometer) winds that smashed shops, wrecked apartment buildings and hotels, and left a trail of destruction valued at $15 billion. Power, telecommunications and transport links are being restored.

Lopez Obrador, better known as AMLO, also said he was traveling to Acapulco on Sunday afternoon, according to the video posted on X. He added that CFE, Mexico’s electricity commission, would have power back on in Acapulco by Monday or Tuesday.

On Saturday, AMLO addressed criticism that his visit to Acapulco last week had been too short. “I’m not there because I can help better coordinate a response here” in Mexico City, AMLO said in a video. “If it’s necessary I’ll return, but I don’t want to make a spectacle.”

Originally just a tropical storm, Otis swiftly developed into a deadly, Category Five hurricane, catching authorities off guard and leaving little time for preparations. Its gusts may have gathered speed faster than any other storm on record in the eastern Pacific.

Acapulco, once a highly popular beach destination that attracted international and local celebrities alike, has in more recent times seen a dramatic drop in tourism mainly due to drug-related crime.

• Acapulco Airport Reopens for Aid, Escape Flights After Otis

• Mexico’s AMLO to Hold Meetings for Acapulco Recovery Plan

• Pemex Guarantees Fuel for State of Guerrero After Hurricane Otis

• Acapulco Death Toll Rises as Otis Losses Seen at $15 Billion

(Updates with latest death toll figures, other details)

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