The death toll from Hurricane Otis rises to 48 with 36 still missing

• Hurricane Otis death toll rises.
• At least 48 people have died.
• There are aid shortages and looting.

Acapulco is grappling with a humanitarian crisis in the aftermath of Hurricane Otis’ devastation.

On Saturday, October 28, reports emerged of additional fatalities and missing persons in the wake of this severe natural disaster.

Recent updates, however, reveal a grim rise in both the death toll and the number of people who are still missing.

As the number of missing persons grows, their families are engulfed in profound grief, while they wait for answers.

Hurricane Otis leaves devastating death toll

The Associated Press reports a staggering 48 fatalities and numerous individuals still missing.

Amidst the devastation that has gripped Acapulco, residents are facing the heart-wrenching task of laying to rest those lost to Hurricane Otis.

To date, the catastrophic storm has claimed over 40 lives, plunging numerous families into deep sorrow.

Among those grieving is 30-year-old Katy Barrera, who, like many others, is waiting for the release of her loved ones’ bodies from the city morgue.

Humanitarian crisis and despair in Acapulco

Barrera is preparing to bid farewell to her aunt and two cousins, ages 13 and 2, who tragically perished in a landslide that engulfed their small house.

Yet, her ordeal doesn’t stop there. Her mother, brother, and an uncle remain unaccounted for, adding to her distress.

Katy’s pain is echoed by many, with the fears for those still missing escalating.

Families of the victims are voicing their dissatisfaction with the casualty figures released by the authorities, according to The Associated Press.

It’s believed the death toll is much higher than official reports

According to the AP, it’s believed that the number of missing and dead far exceeds the official numbers.

The reported figures have sparked controversy and inconsistencies. Initially, it was reported there were 39 fatalities and 10 unaccounted for.

Yet, as the count of recovered bodies rose to 48, families are still reporting additional missing loved ones.

Rosa Icela Rodríguez, Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection, has stated that the likely cause of death in these cases is «suffocation by submersion.»

Investigations are still ongoing

It’s crucial to note that investigations to identify all the victims of Hurricane Otis are ongoing.

Among the 48 fatalities caused by the hurricane in the southern state of Guerrero, 43 were from Acapulco, and another five hailed from Coyuca de Benítez.

Previously, Guerrero’s governor, Evelyn Salgado, had stated that authorities were still looking for 36 individuals.

However, the Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection later revised this number, indicating six people remain missing following the natural disaster.

Acapulco faces lack of food and electricity

According to the Associated Press, Barrera highlights that humanitarian aid hasn’t reached all residents, resulting in looting incidents at various businesses.

With food and water scarce, many individuals have resorted to begging in the streets as desperation mounts.

Now, the city, home to about one million residents, grapples with issues related to electricity and water supply.

Despite government and authority efforts to reinstate these services, nearly 200,000 homes are still without power.

Government efforts underway

According to The Associated Press, Andrés Manuel López Obrador has announced significant progress in restoring electricity to the region.

Efforts are also being made to repair gas stations that were impacted by the hurricane.

The aftermath of Hurricane Otis in Acapulco, Guerrero, has been catastrophic, and the path to recovery will be lengthy and challenging.

In these moments of uncertainty, the city is striving to rebuild and support their families.