Hurricane Otis hit Mexico on October 25, 2023, as a category 5 near Acapulco. It sustained winds of 165 mph, the storm had rapidly intensified and according to the National Hurricane Center Otis was the strongest hurricane to make landfall in the Eastern Pacific. People living in and around Acapulco had very little time to prepare for this big storm ahead of them.

Reports and images showed catastrophic damage to structures like motels, and rise buildings. There were also many downed trees and mudslides. 10,000 utility poles were destroyed, leaving people with no power, internet, or communication throughout the region. Mudslides outside the city prevented the crew from helping aid people in Acapulco. On October 31 the government of Mexico had said the current death toll was 46 and 58 people were still missing. Many people were out in the streets looking for their loved ones, aid, and necessities. 

Military personnel, medical teams, and rescue teams were sent out to the most affected areas. “It took us a while to get there because of the rain and the remnants of the hurricane,” said Lopes Obrador president of Mexico. Obrador had said one of the victims killed was a soldier when a wall of his home collapsed. There was much destruction caused to people’s homes. Vehicles were crushed, roofs missing from people’s houses, and many windows were broken. “In all of Acapulco there is not a standing (electric) pole,” said Lopez Obrador. He’d had said about 1,000 workers were working to rebuild so that the water service could be restored. 

Many struggled to find shelter when the storm hit. “I took shelter in the bathroom, and thankfully the door held,” said Pablo Navarro an Auto Parts worker staying in a 13th-story hotel in Acapaulco. He’d also said that some rooms had their windows blown out as well as doors. People were trapped in their homes because of mud and debris that had made their way onto the streets. This hurricane was terrifying for people who were visiting Acapulco. “We laid on the floor and some between beds,” said Jakob Sauczuk, who was staying with friends at a beachfront hotel in Acapulco. “We prayed a lot,” he told AP. 

Now many are scrambling to get things back in place after Otis had hit. 48 people had officially been killed while dozens remain missing. The Mexican government had announced a $3.4 billion reconstruction plan with aid to people, according to NWAonline.com. Acapulco is on its way to recovery after Hurricane Otis had damaged many things.