Major hurricane Odile hits Mexico’s Baja

The powerful and sprawling Hurricane Odile has made landfall on the southern end of Mexico’s Baja California peninsula. The U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami says satellite imagery indicates Odile’s center made landfall at about 9:45 p.m. PDT Sunday near Cabo San Lucas. It said at landfall, Odile had estimated intensity of 205 km/h and an automated station near Cabo San Lucas reported a sustained wind of 144 km/h with a gust to 187 km/h. The storm was moving north-northwest at 28 km/h. The area where it came ashore is home to gleaming megaresorts, tiny fishing communities and low-lying neighborhoods of flimsy homes. Forecasters predicted a dangerous storm surge with large waves and drenching rains capable of causing landslides and flash floods.

All preparedness actions to protect life and property should be rushed to completion.

U.S. National Hurricane Center statement

Some 800 marines were on standby Sunday, and officials readied heavy equipment to help out in areas where mudslides could occur. Police with megaphones walked through vulnerable areas in Cabo San Lucas urging neighbours to evacuate. At least 22 airline flights were canceled, and some tourists said they were stranded. Others at the Los Cabos international airport were trying to leave before conditions got too bad. Luis Felipe Puente, national coordinator for Mexico’s civil protection agency, said 164 shelters had been prepared for as many as 30,000 people in the state of Baja California Sur. He said occupancy in hotels was low, but tourists were warned to stay inside in the safer areas of the hotels and keep away from doors and windows.

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