• Hurricane Erick made landfall as a Category 3 storm, impacting southern Mexico.
• At least two fatalities reported due to flooding and electrocution.
• Officials assess damage while warning of potential landslides from heavy rains.
• Emergency shelters were established and preparations were intensified following previous storm lessons.
• Erick was downgraded from a Category 4 before landfall, but still brought significant rain and wind.

Hurricane Erick made landfall on Thursday as a powerful Category 3 storm, with sustained winds around 125 mph, impacting the southern states of Mexico including Oaxaca and Guerrero. Authorities had previously warned residents to prepare, as the National Hurricane Center indicated the hurricane's rapid intensification to Category 4 before it was downgraded shortly before landfall, bringing potentially destructive winds and life-threatening floods, according to HuffPost and ABC News.

Reports confirm at least two fatalities linked to the storm: a one-year-old boy drowned in Guerrero while his mother attempted to carry him across a swollen river, and a man was electrocuted in Oaxaca during debris cleanup. These tragedies highlight the dangers posed by flooding from the storm's path, according to India Times and CBS News.

After the hurricane’s passage, authorities remained vigilant for landslides and ongoing flooding risks, as heavy rain continued to affect the region. President Claudia Sheinbaum emphasized the importance of residents adhering to safety recommendations, citing the devastation caused by previous hurricanes like Otis in October 2023. This has spurred proactive safety measures including the establishment of over 2,000 shelters, as reported by Al Jazeera and India Times.

As cleanup efforts began in affected areas like Acapulco and Puerto Escondido, many were still without power and basic services. Eyewitnesses detailed the extensive damage, with whole communities facing homelessness and a lack of immediate assistance. Local businesses also faced significant disruptions as they prepared for the storm's aftermath, according to BBC and India Times.

Officials reported that the majority of the fatalities and substantial injuries were prevented due to the extensive preparedness and timely warnings issued to the public. However, the continuing rain poses a significant risk of flash floods and further landslides, reducing recovery efforts, as noted by Reuters and ABC News.