Eleven people have died and more than 20 remain missing after Hurricane Agatha struck the southern Mexican state of Oaxaca, according to the state's governor. The category two hurricane made landfall on Monday, becoming the strongest May hurricane to hit Mexico's Pacific coast since records began in 1949.
Heavy rainfall triggered landslides and flash flooding, with most victims swept away by rivers or buried in mudslides. Agatha arrived near Puerto Ángel with wind gusts of up to 169km/h (105mph) but weakened as it moved inland. However, torrential rains caused rivers to overflow and mountainsides to give way.
Oaxaca Governor Alejandro Murat confirmed that at least five people were swept away by rivers. Mountain villages were among the worst affected. The mayor of Santa Catarina de Xanaguía, located at an altitude of nearly 2,000m, reported severe destruction, saying: 'We are cut off, there's no power, the roads are damaged and several houses have been destroyed.'
Local media shared images of devastation in mountain communities. The town of Santiago Xanica issued an urgent plea for drinking water, food, clothing, and medical assistance for pregnant women. Officials stated that the main bridge had been destroyed, leaving the town accessible only by air, with six residents killed and ten missing.
Scientists from the US weather service have forecast a very active hurricane season this year, with above-average numbers of named storms, hurricanes, and major hurricanes.
