Tl;dr: In October 2023, Acapulco, Mexico, was hit by a catastrophic Category 5 hurricane, Hurricane Otis, akin to an enormous EF3 tornado. The city was left in ruins, with no power, communication, or basic necessities. Despite the dire situation, the international response has been limited. You can make a difference by donating to Direct Relief or The Mexican Red Cross (La Cruz Roja Mexicana) to provide much-needed assistance to the hurricane's victims.
What Happened?
On October 24th, 2023, the world witnessed the devastating transformation of a once-harmless tropical storm into a monstrous category 5 hurricane. Within just 12 hours, Hurricane Otis descended upon Mexico's western coast, hitting the beautiful city of Acapulco, Guerrero, with wind speeds of 165 mph/265 kmph, which is comparable to an EF3 tornado. The destruction is unfathomable. The city is stripped of its communication, infrastructure, and the homes that its people held dear. Today, we need your help to make a difference in the lives of those who've been affected by this catastrophe.
Image: Otis makes landfall. (Wikipedia)
Aftermath of the Storm
The aftermath of Hurricane Otis paints a grim picture. The electrical grid has been obliterated, leaving the city in darkness. Cell towers lie in ruins, and radio and broadcast systems have been wiped out, cutting off most means of communication. Many parts of the city are submerged in floodwaters, while others are buried under feet of mud. For the people of Acapulco and surrounding areas in Guerrero, the destruction is personal and devastating. Many homes, typically constructed from concrete, have been reduced to bare rebar by the sheer force of the hurricane's winds. The residents now find themselves without basic necessities like food, water, medicine, or power, and they are recieving little help with the urgent and painful reality they face.
(Image: Alejandro Cegarra, Bloomberg News)
(Image: Rodrigo Oropeza, Getty Images)
The Unseen Desperation
Amidst the chaos and destruction caused by Hurricane Otis, this disaster hasn't received the media attention it deserves. We often see news stories come and go, but the suffering in Guerrero persists. One of my favorite people is there right now, and his family, along with countless others, have lost everything. The official death toll of 27, with 4 people missing, barely scratches the surface of the true magnitude of the disaster. With communication networks crippled, the real extent of this tragedy may not be accurately reported for weeks or months.
Never Forget: Mexico's Response to Katrina
In the spirit of compassion and international solidarity, it's essential to remember the remarkable response of Mexico in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. In 2005, when the southern USA was devastated by this historic hurricane, Mexico responded by sending 200 troops across the border into Texas, marking the first time a Mexican army contingent had entered the state since the Battle of the Alamo in 1836. These soldiers embarked on a crucial mission to aid tens of thousands of displaced and hungry Americans. They set up operations at the former Kelly Air Force Base, serving over 170,000 meals and distributing more than 184,000 tons of supplies, including medical assistance. This touching act of compassion and support helped thousands of Americans. Now, as Hurricane Otis ravages Acapulco, it's our turn to return the favor and provide assistance to our friends in Mexico who are in dire need. Let's come together and show the world that in times of crisis, kindness knows no boundaries, and together, we can make a positive difference.
What You Can Do
We offer you two reputable options to contribute to the Hurricane Otis relief efforts, both of which will provide water, food, medical care, and other essential supplies to the people of Guerrero:
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Direct Relief: Your first option for donating is through Direct Relief, a highly rated and extremely efficient charity. Donations made to Direct Relief are tax-deductible if you reside in the USA. They ensure that every dollar you contribute goes directly to help the victims of Hurricane Otis, with 0% allocated to fundraising. Your support will directly reach those in desperate need.
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The Mexican Red Cross (La Cruz Roja Mexicana): Another excellent option is to support the Mexican Red Cross, who are already on the ground providing vital assistance. The Red Cross is renowned for its humanitarian efforts and dedication to helping communities in crisis. However, please be aware that depending on your bank, you may incur a foreign transaction fee due to currency conversion, so it is advisable to check with your financial institution before donating.
The people of Acapulco are facing a long and arduous journey to recovery in the wake of Hurricane Otis. Their stories of loss, resilience, and hope in the face of adversity deserve our attention and support. By donating to either Direct Relief or the Mexican Red Cross, you can make a real difference in the lives of those who have suffered unimaginable losses. Together, we can show the world that compassion knows no borders and that, in times of crisis, we can come together to provide help and hope. Your generosity matters; please consider making a donation today to aid in the recovery of Acapulco and its people.