Hurricane Otis tore through Acapulco, Mexico on Oct. 25 killing at least 46 people and leaving 58 missing, including 11 Americans.

Otis made landfall with 165 miles per hour winds triggering floods and leaving residents with limited water, food, electricity and destroyed homes. An estimated 80% of Acapulco was destroyed and around 63,000 businesses have crumbled. On Oct. 26, Mexican President Andrés Manuel Lopéz announced a $4.3 billion reconstruction plan offering local families food and upwards of $3,000 per damaged home. 

Residents were told to expect a tropical storm just below hurricane strength – leaving them unprepared as Otis doubled in strength in just 12 hours. 

“It’s one thing to have a Category 5 hurricane make landfall somewhere when you’re expecting it,” University of Miami hurricane researcher Brian McNoldy said. “But to have it happen when you’re not expecting anything is truly a nightmare.” 

According to scientists, trends of rapid intensification of hurricanes have recently increased because of warmer waters connected to climate change. 

President Joe Biden declared his “full support” for Mexico in a statement on Oct. 27. 

“Our hearts are with all those impacted by this terrible storm,” Biden said. “I have directed my Administration to work closely with our partners in the Government of Mexico to offer our full support. The United States stands by Mexico – our neighbor and our friends – at this difficult time.” 

Some Acapulco residents have turned to looting stores while others wait hours in line for water provided by the local authorities. 

“We’ve been here since dawn, since five in the morning, risking getting robbed because now they’re assaulting people in the streets,” La Frontera resident Perla Rubi said. 

To help assist with relief work in Acapulco, visit this CNN article.