At least 27 dead, 4 missing, after Hurricane Otis hits Mexico’s Acapulco

At least 27 people have been killed after Hurricane Otis, one of the most powerful storms to ever hit Mexico, struck the Pacific beach resort of Acapulco.

Undergoing explosive intensification from a Category 1 to Category 5 in just 12 hours, the hurricane brought 165mph winds and torrential rainfall to the area on Wednesday, catching forecasters by surprise.

The storm ripped roofs from homes and hotels, tore trees from the ground, and largely cut off communications and road links with the region, marking one of the most powerful hurricanes to hit the Central American nation in years.