WATCH | Hurricane Erick weakens to tropical storm over Mexico, leaves trail of damage

Erick weakened to a tropical storm after making landfall as a major hurricane on Mexico's southern Pacific coast on Thursday, leaving flooded streets, damaged boats and buildings in Oaxaca as authorities warned of dangerous rains.

Erick made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane near the resort town Puerto Escondido about 5.30am local time (11.30am GMT). By midafternoon, it had slowed to a tropical storm as it moved inland, with sustained winds weakening to 85km/h.

In coastal towns, residents began clearing debris.

“There are many boats sunk here,” said fisherman Eduardo Gonzalez in Puerto Escondido. “We're here to help our colleagues.”

Officials cautioned that Erick's intense rains remained dangerous.

“Life-threatening flooding and mudslides are expected, especially in areas of steep terrain,” the US National Hurricane Center said, forecasting up to 20cm of rain for Guerrero state with up to 10cm for its neighbouring Oaxaca and Michoacan states.

Mexico's environment ministry also had warned of waves of up to 10m.

No deaths were immediately reported, Laura Velazquez, the head of Mexico's civil protection agency, said at a press conference.

Two hospitals had suffered damage and power supply was compromised, she added. State-owned utility CFE reported that more than 123,000 users had lost power in Oaxaca, with service restored to 26% by late morning.

Oaxaca governor Salomon Jara said roads and highways were significantly damaged.

Erick is the earliest major hurricane to make landfall in the eastern Pacific, meteorologists from AccuWeather said.

“Rapid intensification near coastal cities is a major concern this hurricane season...as water temperatures continue to increase,” said Alex DaSilva, AccuWeather lead hurricane expert.

Areas about Acapulco are especially vulnerable, AccuWeather said, as the beach town is still recovering from the impact of Hurricane Otis which hit in 2023.

Reuters