Hurricane Otis made landfall in Acapulco with winds of 166 mph on Wednesday, flooding the city, ripping off roofs from homes, shops and hotels, submerging vehicles and cutting off communications as well as road and air travel.
In particular, looting continues. People in hard-hit areas, searching for food and water, have accused the government of not providing enough aid.
A damaged house after Hurricane Otis in Acapulco, Mexico. Photo: Reuters
President Lopez Obrador released a 24-minute video on social media on Saturday to update the country on the situation, spending much of the time attacking critics he accused of trying to exploit the situation ahead of elections next year.
“They fly around like vultures, they don't care about people's pain, they want to hurt us because so many people have died,” he said.
President Lopez Obrador, 69, said the media was trying to smear his administration by exaggerating the death toll. He added that his administration was doing more than any government “has ever done” to address the aftermath.
Rescue teams in two red inflatable boats searched for drowning victims in Acapulco Bay on Saturday afternoon. They returned to shore with three bodies wrapped in black bags.
More than 220,000 homes and 80% of hotel buildings were affected and about 513,000 people were without power.
Mexican authorities said Otis was the strongest hurricane ever to hit Mexico's Pacific coast. It took forecasters by surprise, gathering strength at great speed before making landfall.
Mai Anh (according to Reuters)
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