Tropical Storm John Hits Mexico’s Pacific Coast, Threatening Catastrophic Flooding

Tropical Storm John has made landfall on Mexico’s southern Pacific coast, posing a significant threat of life-threatening floods, VOA reported on Tuesday.

Initially a Category 3 hurricane with winds of 120 mph, it has since downgraded to a tropical storm with sustained winds of 70 mph. The National Hurricane Center warns of potential catastrophic flash flooding and mudslides, particularly in Chiapas, Oaxaca, and Guerrero states.

Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador urged residents to seek higher ground and prioritize safety over material possessions. The storm is expected to impact tourist areas like Acapulco and Puerto Escondido, with heavy rainfall forecasted throughout the week.

Authorities have ordered evacuations, suspended classes, and set up shelters for those affected. The rapid intensification of storms like John has become more frequent, attributed to warmer ocean temperatures. Residents are bracing for the storm’s aftermath, with significant rainfall expected to continue for weeks.