Hurricane John: The Day Acapulco Went to Hell (and Back)
Hurricane John ravaged Acapulco, leaving widespread destruction and a housing crisis. Residents face the dilemma of leaving damaged homes representing their life's work. Government aid is being distributed, but the long-term recovery remains uncertain.
Hurricane John’s recent battering of this Pacific resort city has laid bare not only the destructive power of nature but also the precariousness of urban development and housing infrastructure, leaving officials grappling with a complex recovery effort. Beyond the immediate challenges of civil protection and debris removal, a deeper crisis is emerging: a housing dilemma rooted in economic hardship and a reluctance to abandon hard-won homes.
“This is a human tragedy,” says Violeta Martínez Pacheco, local deputy for District 6 in Acapulco, affiliated with the Morena party. “Families don’t want to leave their homes because it represents a lifetime of effort, and they prefer to face the risk.”
