Acapulco, a once-famous Mexican tourist destination, is reeling from the aftermath of Hurricane Otis, a Category 5 hurricane that caused widespread devastation. The storm, which made landfall on Wednesday, has claimed the lives of 39 people and left Acapulco in a state of chaos. The hurricane, unlike anything the city has ever experienced, has left buildings in ruins and has caused power, water, and telephone outages.

The lack of phone signal has made it difficult for survivors to communicate with their loved ones, adding to the desperation and chaos in the city. Around 200,000 homes were damaged, and numerous restaurants and businesses have been destroyed. The estimated cost of the damage caused by Hurricane Otis stands at $15 billion.

President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has emphasized the need to start the reconstruction efforts as soon as possible. Aid has started to arrive in the city, and a security force of 17,000 personnel has been deployed to prevent looting. The Mexican army and navy have also established an air bridge to accelerate the distribution of humanitarian aid.

Despite these efforts, many survivors are still struggling to contact their family and friends outside of Acapulco. The devastation caused by Hurricane Otis serves as a grim reminder of the destructive power of nature and the need for comprehensive disaster preparedness and response measures.