Hurricane Milton Leaves Yucatán and Campeche Largely Unscathed
Hurricane Milton made landfall in Yucatán with minimal damage. Over 6,000 people were evacuated to shelters. The Mérida International Airport reopened at 9 AM. Public transportation is expected to resume by midday.
On Tuesday, October 8, President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, along with Joaquín Díaz Mena, governor of Yucatán, convened a briefing to review the impact of Hurricane "Milton" on the region. As one of the most powerful hurricanes of the season, "Milton" barreled through the Yucatán Peninsula as a Category 4 storm, posing a significant threat to coastal areas. However, initial reports from state authorities suggest that the damage, though considerable, is not as severe as feared.
Joaquín Díaz Mena, in a statement at the People's Morning Conference, reassured the public by announcing a "clean balance" in the aftermath of the hurricane’s passage. While Hurricane "Milton" remains a formidable force, still swirling 120 kilometers off the coast of Dzilam de Bravo, Yucatán has thus far avoided major catastrophe. The hurricane, which continues to move eastward toward Florida at a rate of 15 kilometers per hour, is expected to maintain its strength as it brushes past the coastal region of San Felipe and Ría Lagartos later today.
"We were prepared, and the population has responded well to the safety protocols put in place," Díaz Mena emphasized, expressing cautious optimism as the state navigates through the tail end of the storm.
One of the primary factors contributing to the relatively positive outcome has been the rapid mobilization of shelters and evacuation protocols across the state. Governor Díaz Mena reported that over 6,000 residents sought refuge in the more than 400 emergency shelters set up throughout Yucatán in advance of the storm. These shelters, many located in key coastal and low-lying areas, have provided a critical lifeline for those most vulnerable to flooding and storm surges.
In Mérida, the state’s capital and largest city, the International Airport is slated to reopen at 9:00 a.m. local time on Tuesday, signaling the beginning of a return to normalcy for the region. Public transportation services, disrupted as a precaution during the storm's peak, are expected to resume by midday, according to Díaz Mena.
Focus on Recovery and Damage Assessment
Despite the relatively low casualty count, state officials remain vigilant about the need for comprehensive damage assessments, especially in the coastal towns. With ports among the hardest-hit areas, recovery efforts will prioritize the needs of these communities. "The next step will be to evaluate the extent of damage, particularly in the ports," Díaz Mena said. "This will allow us to provide timely aid to those affected."
Infrastructure, particularly in terms of power outages and transportation networks, has been an immediate concern. The storm caused widespread power cuts, with much of the population in both Yucatán and neighboring Campeche left without electricity as "Milton" swept through. Díaz Mena confirmed that efforts to restore power have been progressing steadily, with over 60% of the electrical grid already back online in both states.
In the national context, Laura Velázquez Alzúa, Mexico’s national coordinator of Civil Protection, echoed Díaz Mena’s cautious relief during the conference. She noted that both Yucatán and Campeche had maintained a "white balance," meaning there were no major casualties, thanks largely to the preemptive measures taken by local authorities and the preparedness of the population.
Velázquez expressed gratitude to the residents of coastal communities who responded swiftly and effectively to evacuation orders. "The culture of prevention and civil protection has truly saved lives in this instance," she said, highlighting the importance of continued education and training in hurricane-prone regions.
Among the most immediate concerns, Velázquez pointed to localized flooding, downed trees, and road blockages that are currently being addressed by emergency crews. "In Yucatán’s low-lying areas, floodwaters have accumulated, and we are working to assess the full scope of the damage," she said. However, thanks to rapid governmental response and the resilience of the affected communities, there have been no reports of widespread devastation.
Rebuilding and Reinforcing Infrastructure
As "Milton" moves away from Mexican shores and heads towards the southeastern United States, the focus for Yucatán shifts to recovery and infrastructure reinforcement. Díaz Mena and Velázquez Alzúa both emphasized the importance of continuing to strengthen the state's disaster response capabilities. Investments in infrastructure, from resilient power grids to improved flood defenses, will be key to mitigating the impact of future storms, which are expected to become more frequent and intense due to climate change.
In the coming days, government teams will work alongside local authorities to not only address the immediate effects of the hurricane but also to reinforce the lessons learned from "Milton." The cooperation between state and national governments in preparing for the hurricane has already proven effective in limiting casualties and economic disruption.
"The priority now is rebuilding and supporting those who have been impacted," Velázquez Alzúa said. "We will be focusing on ensuring that Yucatán’s communities are safe, that their homes are rebuilt, and that their livelihoods are restored as quickly as possible."
Hurricane "Milton" was a significant test for Yucatán’s disaster response systems. Despite its Category 4 status and close proximity to the coast, the state's preparedness and rapid deployment of emergency measures have resulted in a relatively positive outcome. With recovery efforts now underway, the focus shifts from immediate relief to long-term resilience, ensuring that Yucatán can continue to withstand the challenges posed by increasingly severe weather patterns.
