Mexico – Tropical Storm Manuel

Acapulco continues to face major transport and utility disruptions in Tropical Storm Manuel’s aftermath with additional severe weather forecast through Sept. 22. Acapulco Airport remains largely inoperable, though limited military and commercial flights are transporting stranded passengers to Mexico City. Due to damage at the terminal, airlines are checking in passengers at the Foro Mundo Imperial, located about 1.25 miles northwest of the airport. Although the restricted flights have allowed some people to leave Acapulco, progress has been slow, and many travelers remain stranded. In addition to flight disruptions, storm damage has made many roads impassable. Streets throughout the Acapulco area remain flooded and debris-covered; significant traffic congestion is likely on cleared roads. Taxi service in the city is limited due to vehicle damage and reduced driver availability. Federal Highway 95, the main route connecting Acapulco and Mexico City, will probably not fully reopen before the afternoon of Sept. 20. Water, gas, electricity, and telecommunications services are also reduced or unavailable in many parts of the city. Public safety representatives report that potable water is available in central Acapulco; details on other locations are unavailable. Damage to telecommunications infrastructure has limited bandwidth in the area, and cellphone networks are vulnerable to becoming overloaded. As efforts to restore these services continue, troops have deployed to Acapulco to provide security.