Hurricane Otis Death Toll in Mexico Rises to 43, 36 Still Missing

Over 220,000 homes damaged and further aid slow to arrive as Hurricane Otis intensifies suddenly; majority of victims died from "suffocation by submersion" in Acapulco's harbor.

The death toll from Category 5 Hurricane Otis reaches 43 in Mexico, with 36 people still missing and a number expected to rise due to the large number of submerged boats in Acapulco's harbor.
Fisherwoman Kristian Vera lost three of her own boats, among the dozens sunken, but still feels fortunate compared to the families of victims who have lost loved ones.
Hurricane Otis' rapid intensification to a Category 5 storm left people with little time to prepare, resulting in widespread devastation including severely damaged hotels, resorts, and homes.
Aid has been slow to reach the tormented areas with the storm’s destruction cutting off the city of nearly 1 million people for the first day, leaving citizens devoid of signal, water, and food.
More than 200,000 homes and businesses still remain without power, while over 220,000 homes have been damaged by the storm according to the federal civil defense agency.