Desperation Rises in Acapulco as Slow Recovery Efforts Follow Devastating Hurricane Otis

Residents Struggle Against Unprecedented Destruction and Slow Aid Response as Mexico's Strongest Recorded Hurricane Exposes Cities' Lack of Preparedness and Infrastructure Weaknesses

With 27 people dead and a quarter of a million homes without electricity, residents of Acapulco are growing increasingly desperate following the devastating Hurricane Otis, resorting to taking goods from shattered storefronts due to a slow aid response.
The storm’s intensity caught the government and weather experts by surprise, intensifying from a Category 1 to a Category 5 hurricane in less than 24 hours. Scientists attribute this to warmer ocean surfaces due to climate change, warning that similar super-charged hurricanes may become more frequent.
Many survivors of the storm criticize the government's response, claiming there appears to be a focus on repairing infrastructure for tourism rather than helping the neediest citizens. President Andrés Manuel López Obrador assures that the city will be rebuilt in 'little time', however residents are skeptical.
Hurricane Otis inflicted major damages on the city's infrastructure, including 80% of hotels, main roadways, local stores, and communication networks. This has left the city in complete chaos and residents dependent on neighborhood-grouped online messaging platforms for information and assistance.
The slow response in moving tons of mud and fallen trees, as well as the lack of electricity, water, and food, is causing widespread looting and theft as residents struggle to survive. Despite the arrival of hundreds of trucks from the government electricity company, the restoration of power remains a major challenge.