Now Yucatán affected - Hurricane "Beryl" rages in Mexican vacation region
After causing destructive passage over the Caribbean Sea, Hurricane "Beryl" now rages in the vacation region of the Mexican Yucatan Peninsula. According to the US Hurricane Center NHC, it made landfall early this morning near the popular beach town of Tulum. In the region, which also includes the city of Cancun, there were reportedly over 340,000 tourists according to local authorities. The violent wind of the storm uproots trees and power lines, and covers houses. In Tulum, according to Mexico's Civil Defense Chief Laura Velázquez, the power is down to 50%.
"Beryl" made landfall with sustained winds of up to 175 kilometers per hour as a Hurricane of Category 2. It is currently weakening, according to the NHC, and is expected to lose strength over land, then regain strength over the Gulf of Mexico and head towards the northeastern Mexico and the US state of Texas. Previously, it had reached the highest hurricane category and became the strongest Atlantic hurricane recorded in July - which is likely related to the high sea temperatures and climate change.
The Governor of the affected Mexican state of Quintana Roo, Mara Lezama, urged people to seek shelter, stay away from windows, and maintain calm. The highest alert level is in effect. "The most important thing right now is to protect yourself and take care of yourself. Don't take any risks," she says in a video on the X platform - the sound of howling wind can be heard in the background.
Dozens of flights were canceled and the international airport in Tulum was closed. Many tourists wanted to stay in the region despite "Beryl", said Lezama. The larger hotels set up their own security zones for their guests. Emergency shelters were provided, some residents were evacuated.
"Beryl" devastates several islands
"Beryl", the first hurricane of the early June-started Atlantic season, rapidly formed last weekend. As a Hurricane of Strength 4, it first made landfall on Monday and devastated several small islands in the southeastern Caribbean, belonging to the states of Grenada and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. According to government reports, over 90% of the houses were damaged or destroyed there. Since Thursday night, the storm center passed over Jamaica and caused extensive damage in some places.
At least ten deaths have been reported, including three in Venezuela. The UN Humanitarian Office OCHA in Geneva reported that over a quarter of a million people in the Caribbean were affected by the storm damage - many had lost everything.
Historically powerful storm
Never before, so early in the Atlantic hurricane season, which lasts six months, has such a powerful storm been recorded. The NHC reported wind speeds of up to 270 kilometers per hour - above 252 kilometers per hour is the highest Category 5 reached. In the context of climate change, warmer sea water makes strong hurricanes more likely.
Grenada's Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell called Hurricane a direct consequence of the climate crisis. He demanded climate justice: Small island states should not bear disproportionate consequences, primarily caused by larger countries, and should not have to shoulder their financial burden.
- Despite the ongoing Hurricane "Beryl" in the Yucatan vacation region, many tourists in the larger hotels chose to stay.
- The Hurricane made landfall in the Yucatan Peninsula, specifically near the vacation spot of Tulum, causing significant damage.
- In the Dominican Republic, tourists were advised to monitor the weather and prepare for potential impacts from Hurricane "Beryl."
- The storm also threatened St. Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, with potential hurricane warnings issued.
- Jamaica experienced extensive damage from Hurricane "Beryl," adding to the list of affected Caribbean islands.
- Mexico's Governor of Quintana Roo, Mara Lezama, stressed the importance of safety and taking necessary precautions during the storm.
- With the Hurricane weakening, officials in Venezuela and the USA closely monitored its trajectory and potential impacts.
- Tourism in Barbados and other Caribbean destinations was briefly affected as travel advisories were issued to ensure tourist safety.
- Hurricane "Beryl" was a historical storm, reaching Category 2 strength with winds up to 175 kilometers per hour.
- Despite the damages, some resorts like those in Tulum had established security zones for guests, ensuring their safety.
- The Hurricane's impact not only affected homes and infrastructure but also resulted in power outages, affecting electricity in Tulum by 50%.
- The climate change discussion came into play as Grenada's Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell called Hurricane "Beryl" a direct consequence of climate crisis and pushed for climate justice.
