Mexico's Death Toll Rises to 48 in Aftermath of Category 5 Hurricane Otis, 36 Still Missing

Aid efforts intensify as protests erupt over slow response, with damages estimated at $15 billion and nearly 220,000 homes affected amid criticism over inadequate government help.

Mexico's President Andrés Manuel López Obrador is under criticism and facing protests due to the perceived slow governmental response to Category 5 Hurricane Otis, which has resulted in at least 48 deaths with 36 people still missing.
Acapulco, Mexico, suffered the most damage from the hurricane, which led to the breakdown of communication and power services, as well as rampant looting due to scarcity of food, water and gasoline.
The hurricane's aftermath has rendered almost 58% of the city's homes and businesses without power, although efforts are being taken to restore electricity and distribute water with the help of 21 tankers in affected areas.
The storm's rapid strengthening from a tropical storm to a Category 5 hurricane caught residents off guard, leading to inadequate aid preparation and massive destruction, including the sinking of numerous boats and the ruination of livelihoods for local fishers.
A massive rescue and recovery operation is underway with 15,000 military personnel on the ground in Acapulco, as the total cost of damages could potentially reach as high as $15 billion, and an estimated 220,000 homes have been damaged.

South China Morning Post

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South China Morning Post