According to national media, the situation in Acapulco refers to two main events: the devastating impact of Hurricane Otis, which hit the city as a Category 5 storm on October 25, 2023, and the violent attacks by armed groups, which caused chaos and panic in the city on August 4, 2023.
Both events have exposed the vulnerability and insecurity of Acapulco, a popular tourist destination and a strategic point for the Tren Interoceánico del Istmo de Tehuantepec, a major infrastructure project promoted by Lopez Obrador.
The hurricane death toll has risen to 48, with six people still missing, and the damage is estimated at US$15 billion. The government has deployed thousands of troops and aid workers to restore order and services, but many residents have complained about the lack of government help, food, water, and gasoline.
Looting and violence have also erupted in some areas. Lopez Obrador has accused his critics of exaggerating the impact of the hurricane and using it for electoral purposes, as the presidential election is scheduled for July 2024. He has also defended his response and vowed to rebuild Acapulco and support the victims.
The armed attacks in August were carried out by a group of heavily armed men, who set fire to at least 12 cars, imposed blockades, and fired weapons, spreading panic among residents and tourists. The motive of the attacks is unclear, but some analysts have linked them to the drug cartels that operate in the region.
The security forces managed to restore calm after several hours, but the incident raised questions about the effectiveness of the government’s security strategy and its ability to protect the population and the economy from organized crime.
With information from OEM
