PUERTO ESCONDIDO, Mexico - In a devastating turn of events, Hurricane John, which rapidly intensified into a formidable storm, has claimed the lives of two individuals as it slammed into Mexico's southern Pacific coast.

The impact was felt deeply across the region, with roofs ripped off houses, treacherous mudslides, and downed trees wreaking havoc.

Making landfall late Monday night, John hit near the town of Punta Maldonado as a Category 3 hurricane boasting maximum sustained winds of 120 mph (190 km/h).

However, the storm's power diminished quickly, transitioning to a tropical storm the next day with wind speeds dropping to 40 mph (65 km/h). Despite this decline, experts warned that the continued slow movement of the storm could spell disaster, facilitating heavy rainfall and potential flash flooding across Mexican states, particularly in Guerrero, Chiapas, and Oaxaca.

Governor Evelyn Salgado reported the tragic deaths in Tlacoachistlahuaca due to a mudslide.

“These tragedies remind us of the severe risks nature poses, especially during such unpredictable times,” she stated. Meanwhile, Marquelia's mayor, Lincer Casiano Clemente, noted that many homes, especially those with tin roofs, suffered substantial damage due to powerful winds, although so far, no injuries have occurred in his municipality.

The region is currently grappling with widespread power outages affecting around 60,000 residents, as fallen trees have blocked several major highways.

Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador urged citizens to prioritize their safety, tweeting, “Seek higher ground, protect yourselves, and remember that material possessions are replaceable.” As the storm continued to wreak havoc, local reports indicated people were already venturing out to search for food and supplies amid the chaos.

What makes John’s rapid intensification noteworthy is the rising trend of such events linked to climate change.

AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Matt Benz explained, “Warmer oceans are acting as fuel for these hurricanes, leading to unexpected intensity surges.” This phenomenon has become more common in modern times, putting communities at greater risk.

This disaster echoes the lingering trauma from Hurricane Otis, which devastated the region earlier in 2023.

Otis was one of the most rapidly intensifying hurricanes on record, leaving Acapulco in chaos with widespread damage, power outages, and loss of life. The slow response from the government during that crisis faced harsh criticism, prompting officials to vow improvements in their emergency protocols, including enhancing early warning systems for future storms.

As communities continue to assess the damage and embark on recovery efforts in the wake of Hurricane John,

the specter of climate change looms larger than ever, presenting an urgent call to action for better preparedness and resilience against increasingly unpredictable weather patterns.

Stay tuned for further updates on this evolving situation as we uncover the full extent of Hurricane John's impact on these vulnerable communities.