Remnants of Hurricane Erick Leave Trail of Flooding and Heartbreak in Southern Mexico

ACAPULCO, Mexico (AP) — Southern Mexico continues to grapple with the aftermath of Hurricane Erick, a powerful storm that made landfall early Thursday as a Category 3 hurricane along the country’s Pacific coast. Though the storm has since dissipated, its remnants brought torrential rains and dangerous flooding to the steep and vulnerable mountainous regions of Guerrero and Oaxaca states, leaving a wake of destruction, sorrow, and uncertainty.

As of Friday, authorities were still assessing the full extent of the damage. Flash floods and landslides remain a pressing concern across the region, with rivers continuing to rise from relentless rainfall. Emergency responders are working around the clock to evaluate impacted communities, provide aid, and prevent further tragedy.

The storm’s death toll stood at one on Friday—a tragic reminder of the storm’s deadly potential. President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed that a 1-year-old boy drowned in a swollen river, marking the first confirmed casualty from Erick. The loss has struck a chord across the country, underscoring the human toll behind weather disasters. President Sheinbaum expressed her condolences to the grieving family and pledged government support to affected communities. She also announced her plans to personally visit the hardest-hit areas on Friday to meet with residents and oversee relief efforts.

Erick slammed ashore Thursday morning along a relatively sparsely populated portion of coastline between the well-known tourist destinations of Acapulco and Puerto Escondido. Packing intense winds and heavy rain, the storm quickly weakened as it moved inland, dissipating later that evening over the mountains of Michoacán state. However, the storm’s rapid transition from hurricane to tropical remnants did little to diminish its impact, particularly in the highland areas where saturated hillsides pose a lingering threat of landslides and blocked roadways.

Widespread power outages further complicated recovery efforts. At the height of the storm, more than 277,000 residents were without electricity. By Friday, power had been restored to about half of those affected, according to the Federal Electricity Commission. Crews continue to work tirelessly to reach remote areas where access is still restricted due to fallen trees, downed power lines, and washed-out roads.

In Guerrero and Oaxaca, soldiers, marines, and National Guard units have been deployed to assist in cleanup and rescue operations. Their efforts include clearing debris, reopening transportation routes, and distributing emergency supplies to displaced residents. In addition, temporary shelters have been set up for those forced to evacuate from vulnerable or isolated areas.

Images from the region show rivers swollen far beyond their banks, communities inundated with muddy floodwaters, and hillsides scarred by recent landslides. For many, the storm has interrupted daily life and raised questions about long-term recovery and infrastructure resilience.

Climate experts and civil defense authorities are now warning of the possibility of secondary disasters in the coming days, as rainfall continues and already saturated terrain remains at risk. Meteorologists are closely monitoring river levels and soil saturation, while disaster response teams are urging residents to remain alert and to heed evacuation orders if given.

Despite the challenges, there are also signs of resilience and unity. Local volunteers have joined first responders in distributing food and water, and neighboring communities have begun organizing relief collections to aid the hardest-hit regions. Across Mexico, there has been an outpouring of solidarity and support for those affected by Erick’s fury.

As the skies begin to clear over southern Mexico, the focus now shifts from immediate response to long-term recovery. While the physical damage from Hurricane Erick will eventually be repaired, the emotional scars—particularly for the family of the young boy lost to the storm—will take much longer to heal.

Authorities urge continued vigilance, particularly in vulnerable regions, as the risk of further flooding and landslides remains high. In the face of tragedy, the people of Guerrero, Oaxaca, and Michoacán are proving once again their strength and resilience.

President Sheinbaum’s visit to the region signals the federal government’s commitment to standing with affected communities—not just in the days ahead, but for the long recovery to come.