Story perspectives

Mexico Orders Coastal Evacuations as Hurricane Simon Hits

By Drooid · Oct 12, 2026, 8:01 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

President Claudia Sheinbaum urged coastal residents to stay indoors as Hurricane Simon battered Mexico’s Pacific coast.
Simon peaked at Category 4 with 140 mph (220 km/h) sustained winds before weakening to Category 3.
The Mexican Navy activated emergency response, closing ports to smaller vessels and barring larger ships in Michoacán.
Jalisco suspended classes in 22 coastal municipalities and began evacuating dozens of at-risk residents.

History

Historical Context

In October 1997 Hurricane Pauline slammed Mexico’s Pacific coast, killing at least 230 people, destroying thousands of homes and prompting President Ernesto Zedillo to mobilize the navy and Red Cross for relief. The disaster remains the deadliest since 1976’s Liza. Today President Claudia Sheinbaum repeats similar shelter orders as Hurricane Simon approaches, with the navy again restricting ports.

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Story summary

President Claudia Sheinbaum urged coastal residents to stay indoors as Hurricane Simon battered Mexico’s Pacific coast.
Simon peaked at Category 4 with 140 mph (220 km/h) sustained winds before weakening to Category 3.
The Mexican Navy activated emergency response, closing ports to smaller vessels and barring larger ships in Michoacán.
Jalisco suspended classes in 22 coastal municipalities and began evacuating dozens of at-risk residents.

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