Hurricane Erick Unleashes Destruction on Mexico's Oaxaca Coastline

Hurricane Erick made a forceful entry on the Oaxaca coast of Mexico early Thursday morning, posing significant threats of intense rain, life-threatening floods, and mudslides. Local authorities confirmed landfall around 5:30 am in Santiago Pinotepa Nacional, classifying Erick as a category 3 hurricane with powerful winds reaching 205 km/h.

As the first significant storm of Mexico's hurricane season, experts fear Erick could set a precedent for an unusually intense series of hurricanes on the Pacific coast, expected to deliver unprecedented turbulence this season.

By early Friday, Hurricane Erick is anticipated to weaken rapidly over Mexico's mountainous regions. Authorities warn residents to stay alert as efforts to evacuate tourists, especially in Oaxaca and Acapulco, gain momentum following the devastation of Mexico's picturesque coast.

(With inputs from agencies.)