This Category 5 storm wreaked havoc on the Mexican Pacific resort city of Acapulco earlier this week.
On Wednesday, it unleashed winds of 165 miles per hour, causing severe flooding, damage to homes, stores, and hotels, submerged vehicles, and disrupted communications, as well as road and air connections.
The government, which had initially reported 27 deaths and four missing persons due to Otis, now reveals that the death toll has risen.
Security Minister Rosa Icela Rodriguez has also mentioned that 10 people are currently unaccounted for.
In the aftermath of the record-breaking storm, looting has plagued Acapulco as thousands of residents struggle to access food and water. Complaints about inadequate government aid to the city have been widespread, and there are concerns among officials that the number of fatalities might increase.
The revised death toll comprises 29 men and 10 women, according to an official statement from the government of Guerrero, the state where Acapulco is situated. Over 220,000 homes and 80% of the hotel sector have been affected, and more than 513,000 people have lost power.
The estimated cost of the destruction left by Otis runs into billions of dollars, prompting the deployment of over 8,000 armed forces members to assist the stricken port in its recovery.
Mexican authorities have deemed Otis the most powerful storm ever to hit the country’s Pacific coast, catching forecasters off guard with its rapid and unexpected intensification compared to initial predictions.
