Attachments
Situation in Numbers
251,207 - Estimated number of children living in the most affected area
(Acapulco and Coyuca de Benítez in Guerrero. Source: 2020 National Census)
852,622 - Estimated number of people living in the most affected area
(Acapulco and Coyuca de Benítez in Guerrero. Source: 2020 National Census)
120 hospitals with damages in Acapulco
(Source: Govt. report 29.10.2023)
393 schools reported with damages in the state of Guerrero
(Source: Govt. report 13.11.2023)
80% Hotels damaged.
(Source: Govt. report 26.10.2023)
Highlights
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On October 25, Hurricane Otis made landfall in the Mexican Pacific coast as a Category 5 hurricane, impacting with greatest force in Acapulco and Coyuca de Benítez and five other municipalities of Guerrero state. On October 30, the Mexican government declared a state of emergency, officially concluding on November 9 and launching a recovery phase through the “General Plan for Reconstruction and Support for the Population affected in Acapulco and Coyuca de Benítez by Hurricane Otis”.
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Basic public services in the seven affected municipalities have been disrupted, including schools’ closure, child protection services, water, electricity, internet services, etc.
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As of November 11, official sources report 48 people dead and 30 missing. 852,000 people living in the affected area (including over 251,000 children) are estimated to be in need of humanitarian assistance.
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As of November 11 public services have been partially restored. Around 93 per cent of the electric service has been reestablished. Between 45 and 90 percent of telephonic services have been restored. 55 percent of population have access to drinking water in the affected area. 94 per cent of 110 first level health units and 66 mobile medical units are in operation. There are 10 shelters operating in Acapulco and Coyuca (551 people). The Federal Government has directly counted 284,752 households and small business as affected.
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The Government has distributed 465,282 food baskets, more than 19 million liters of water and 3,568 household goods (e.g. refrigerators, stoves, mattresses, blenders). 10,000 elements of the National Guard have been deployed to support security in critical points such as gas stations, banks, commercial venues, and main avenues and streets. As of November 11, the Federal Government report that 34 per cent of streets and public spaces have been cleaned.
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Since October 28 UNICEF deployed a team to assess the situation and coordinate the response with the local and national authorities. Since November 5 UNICEF is on the field with child friendly spaces, a mobile medical unit, psychosocial, nutrition and WASH services and kits, as well through a multidisciplinary team seconded to the local child protection authority.
Situation Overview & Humanitarian Needs
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The Government’s strategy to address the destruction of one of the most important touristic cities in the country includes actions and measures costing approx. US$ 3.4 billion, including tax exemptions, credits, delivery of food baskets and household appliances, advanced payment of pensions and double delivery of education scholarships. Additionally, 377 hotels have asked for credits to make repairs, 35 of which plan to reopen in March 2024.
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As of November 5, and despite the catastrophic impact of hurricane Otis on the electrical grid and the subsequent black out in Acapulco city and surrounding villages, CAPAMA (municipal water and sanitation service provider) managed to restore 57 per cent of its water pumping capacity, providing water services to around 55 per cent of Acapulco total population. Although water supply and wastewater treatment plants have also been damaged by hurricane Otis, further field visits are needed to assess impacts on such infrastructures.
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On November 6, a caravan organized by civil society marched into Mexico City, claiming stronger support from the Federal Government and more transparency in the number of damages, deaths, injured and missing people. They also demand to maintain the emergency declaration in the 47 municipalities originally identified.
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Between November 2-5, along with UNICEF, the National Welfare Agency (DIF) visited 12 spots, including schools and social assistance centres where children are sheltered. The main needs identified are food and water, medical and psychological support, and special attention for people with disabilities.
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The Ministry of Education of Guerrero (SEG) has extended the suspension of academic activities until November 10 in Acapulco and Coyuca de Benitez.