A tropical storm over the eastern Pacific Ocean has rapidly intensified into a hurricane and is currently heading towards Mexico's southern coast. The U.S. National Hurricane Center reported that Hurricane John now has maximum sustained winds of 100 mph (155 kph) and is located 55 miles (90 kilometers) south of Punta Maldonado, moving north at 6 mph (9 kph).
Forecasted to strengthen further, John is expected to become a major category 4 hurricane before making landfall on Tuesday. The exact point of landfall remains uncertain as the storm's path continues to shift.
The hurricane poses a significant threat of dangerous winds, storm surges, and potentially 'life-threatening' flash floods in the Pacific coast near Oaxaca, a region known for its resort towns.
Authorities are urging residents in coastal cities to evacuate their homes and seek shelter to ensure their safety and that of their families. Businesses in the area are also taking precautions, with hotels in tourist hubs like Puerto Escondido preparing to evacuate tourists to safer locations.
The impending hurricane has caused concern among locals, with some expressing distress over the rapid evacuation orders and lack of time for necessary preparations. Videos circulating on social media show tourists and fishermen braving heavy rains and preparing for the storm's impact.
Mexican authorities are convening to strategize their response to Hurricane John, which is expected to bring heavy rainfall to coastal areas of Chiapas state and Oaxaca coast to southeast Guerrero. The region is still recovering from the devastation caused by Hurricane Otis last year, highlighting the vulnerability of these coastal communities to rapidly intensifying storms.
As the situation unfolds, residents and authorities are closely monitoring the hurricane's trajectory and preparing for potential impacts on the region.
For more updates on the situation in Latin America and the Caribbean, visit AP's coverage.
