Pacific hurricanes test emergency readiness in Mexico and Hawaii
Authorities in Mexico and Hawaii have mobilised personnel, opened shelters and closed schools as Polo batters Mexico’s coast and Nolo threatens Hawaii with heavy rain and flooding.
Hurricane Polo is battering Mexico’s southwestern coast as Hurricane Nolo strengthens near Hawaii, prompting emergency measures on both sides of the Pacific. The National Hurricane Center said Nolo became a hurricane on Thursday night and was expected to strengthen as it turns towards the Big Island.
Forecasters warned of 38 to 76 centimetres of rain, with higher totals possible through Saturday. Maui could also face life-threatening flooding. The heaviest rain is expected over the southeastern Big Island, where the ground remains saturated after Hurricane Lala struck in August.
Hawaii’s governor has issued an emergency proclamation, more than 230 National Guard members have been activated and schools are closed for the rest of the week. Hawaiian Electric said crews restoring power on Kauai after Hurricane Lowell would move to Oahu, Maui and the Big Island to prepare for Nolo.
Polo has fluctuated between Category 4 and Category 5 as it moves along Mexico’s coast. The National Hurricane Center expected it to regain Category 5 status on Friday. In Lazaro Cardenas, Michoacan, seawater swept through homes on Thursday, scattering furniture and wooden planks across streets.
Mexican authorities deployed 15,000 security personnel, opened shelters, suspended schools and evacuated people from high-risk areas. Officials have not said how many people were evacuated. Polo poses the greatest threat to the neighbouring states of Guerrero and Michoacan.
