Heavy rains from Hurricane Simon and the remains of Tropical Storm Rachel claimed the lives of six individuals in Mexico, with flooding and landslides wreaking havoc along the country’s Pacific coast. The storm, classified as a Category 1 hurricane, continued to move slowly off Mexico’s Pacific coast, affecting Nayarit and Sinaloa states with significant rainfall. The worst impact was felt in Ensenada, Baja California, as remnants of Rachel led to fatal flooding that resulted in at least five deaths.

Among the victims were a 13-year-old girl and two women aged 30 and 35, whose bodies were discovered along with a four-year-old boy and an unidentified individual. Additionally, five individuals were reported missing in Baja California, including three in Ensenada and a father and son who disappeared while fishing in San Felipe.

Residents in Ensenada described the sudden onset of flooding following heavy rainfall, leading to overflowing streams that inundated neighborhoods, sweeping away vehicles and possessions. Landslides and overflowing rivers also isolated several communities in Baja California, prompting rescue efforts by the Mexican military, including helicopter evacuations of 32 people, including foreign nationals, from a ranch in Ensenada.

Authorities deployed thousands of federal and state personnel to aid affected residents across Baja California. In Guerrero state, Hurricane Simon caused damage, including downed trees and electricity poles, blocked roads, and flooded homes in coastal towns. The storm’s impact extended to Puerto Vallarta, where businesses resumed operations after rains subsided, and international airport services resumed.

Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Rachel transitioned into a post-tropical cyclone as it moved towards Southern California, causing significant coastal damage with large waves impacting Long Beach, forcing some residents to evacuate. Hurricane Simon was predicted to regain strength and pose a threat to western Mexico with potential for life-threatening flooding and mudslides before making landfall.