(Acapulco) The city of Acapulco, Mexico, devastated by the hurricane Otisnow finds itself without water, electricity or gasoline, while desperate people have been allowed, even encouraged, to take essential goods from stores damaged since the hurricane hit.
Police officer Raúl Gallardo, who stood guard at a certain location to prevent excesses, explained the distinction that authorities made — in some cases — between what people can take and what would end up in his pile.
People can take “whatever you can eat — water, tuna, mayonnaise,” Officer Gallardo said.
“What is not in the basket of basic foods, you cannot take,” the agent pointed out, pointing to the refrigerators behind him.
Despite the government’s promises of future help, people did not wait.
Desperate residents of Acapulco emptied the city’s biggest stores in three days.
PHOTO HENRY ROMERO, REUTERS
President Andrés Manuel López Obrador politely asked people on Friday not to take advantage of the situation to loot.
He said “everyone will be helped.”
Most families were desperate for clean water, with some saying they were rationing their essential resources. The municipal water system was out of service because its pumps were no longer powered.
No one expected to see Otis from a tropical storm to a catastrophic Category 5 hurricane in the span of 12 hours.
At least 27 people died in the storm, but hundreds were still searching for their loved ones Friday.
PHOTO SALVADOR VALADEZ, AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
Acapulco building ravaged by hurricane Otis
Mexico’s president said Friday that a government commission would meet with representatives of Acapulco’s tourism sector.
“We will talk to the insurers so that they do not delay the administrative formalities and so that they act quickly,” said Mr. López Obrador.
“Those who don’t have insurance, we’re going to look at how they can get cheap credit,” he said.
“We need to get Acapulco back on its feet as soon as possible. This is the plan in general: to help those affected and, at the same time, return tourism to normal in the beautiful port of Acapulco,” said the President of Mexico.
Calling Canadians
On October 26, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mélanie Joly, indicated in a tweet that it was possible for Canadians to ask for help.
“As Acapulco, Mexico faces the devastating effects of Hurricane Otis, we are here for Canadians who need support. Sign up here to receive important information,” said his publication on the social network X.