Hurricane Erick Batters Oaxaca as Category 3 Storm, Causing Widespread Damage

OAXACA, Mexico – Hurricane Erick made landfall in Oaxaca, Mexico, on Thursday as a powerful Category 3 hurricane, bringing torrential rains and widespread damage to the region. The hurricane, the strongest to hit Mexico so early in the Atlantic season, caused significant disruption, including landslides, fallen trees, and severe flooding across at least 14 municipalities in the state. Hours after making landfall, Hurricane Erick weakened to a Category 1 storm on the Saffir-Simpson scale. Despite the downgrade, authorities warn that the system continues to produce heavy rainfall in Oaxaca and Guerrero, with intense precipitation also affecting other states. Emergency services are actively assessing the full extent of the damage and coordinating relief efforts in the affected areas.