Slamming into the Pacific Coast of southern Mexico early yesterday morning, Hurricane Otis had reached Category 5 status, causing widespread destruction across Acapulco. Backed by a range of mountains, the city has endured torrential rain, a massive storm surge, catastrophic winds, mudslides and flooding along its raging mountain streams.
Just the latest powerful hurricane, fueled by warm ocean waters and hot, humid air, its tragic effects will devastate the region for an extended period of time. Climate change is exacting a major toll on human communities and natural ecosystems alike, producing death, destruction and economic stress across the globe.
If there is any benefit derived from this storm, it is the river of moisture that it sent northeastward, bringing much-needed rain to eastern Texas and the Midwest. As the atmosphere becomes increasingly energized by a warming global climate, alternating patterns of drought and intense storms will likely become the norm.
