Hurricane Otis: Looting Breaks In Acapulco; Death Toll Seen To Rise, 47 Still Missing

Incidents of looting have been reported in Acapulco, Mexico following the onslaught of Hurricane Otis.

(Photo : Getty Images/Rodrigo OROPEZA)

This was because residents became increasingly desperate of availing food and water.

Moreover, information from the government of Mexico indicated that in Guerrero, 45 died while 47 others are still not located.

Death Toll Seen To Rise

Authorities feared that death toll is expected to increase.

So far, recovery operations are continuing along Mexico's Pacific coast nearly one week after the weather disturbance wreaked havoc and brought catastrophic damage after it made landfall south of the popular tourist destination Acapulco.

When it comes to power supply, officials said there is already a progress of 90 percent in the restoration of electrical service in the port of Acapulco while 65% of power supply has already been restored throughout the areas affected by Otis.

It is projected that on Tuesday, October 31, there will be 100% energization in the port of Acapulco.

In the evening, a total of water pumps were energized in San Marcos and Copala as well as the pumps that were attached to Pozos Raney del Papagayo and Salsitrabajos and the Telmex power plant.

Of the 38 high voltage lines that were damaged, 19 have been restored, representing a progress of 50%. Meanwhile, of the 30 substations, 21 have been restored, which represents 70% progress.

When it comes to the circuits, 95 have already been restored out of the 155 that were damaged and this constituted 61% progress.

The hurricane also knocked down 10,275 poles, of which 3,570 have already been raised, representing 35% progress.

Officials noted that the cost of damage from the hurricane could increase up to $15 billion. With that, the Mexican government had already sent 17,000 members of the armed forces to maintain order and help distribute tons of food and supplies in Acapulco.

Recovery Efforts For Victims

At present, a total of 34,954 food supplies and 83,572 liters of water have been distributed.

On the other hand, a total of 13,553 pantries and 180,853 liters of water would be provided distribute today from the Mundo Imperial collection center while 15 tons of food are being organized in pantries.

Authorities said that flights continue to transport more donations of food and water to the port.

So far, around 6,500 elements from the country's marine department have been deployed in the affected areas while 1,500 others have been destined exclusively for security.

Furthermore, a total of 94 vehicles, seven helicopters, and three ships have been used to support recovery efforts and care for the population.

Aside from those deployment, personnel from the Mexican Red Cross is already in the process of delivering 75 tons of humanitarian aid to those who have been affected by the disaster.

Authorities have also been catering to more than 1,600 people who have remained in shelters in both Acapulco and Coyuca de Benítez.

To recall, Otis unleased heavy rains and winds of 165mph (266km/h) towards Acapulco on Wednesday, flooding the city, tearing roofs from homes, and severing communications as well as road and air connections.