Category 3 Hurricane Beryl Targets Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula

Hurricane Beryl, which has already caused significant damage in the Caribbean and claimed multiple lives, has regained strength as a Category 3 storm. It is now heading towards Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, prompting evacuations and preparations. Mexican authorities have issued warnings and taken precautions to minimize the storm's impact.

Hurricane Beryl, responsible for a trail of destruction across the eastern Caribbean and at least nine fatalities, intensified back into a Category 3 storm late Thursday as it veered towards Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, a hub for tourism.

The US National Hurricane Centre reported that Beryl, the earliest Category 5 hurricane recorded in the Atlantic, had winds reaching 115 mph (185 kph) after earlier weakening. President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador warned of a possible direct hit on Tulum, urging residents and tourists to seek higher ground or shelters. The hurricane's immediate threat now looms over the Yucatan Peninsula, according to Jack Beven, a senior hurricane specialist at the US Hurricane Centre. Mexico hurriedly prepared shelters, evacuated coastal areas, and even moved sea turtle eggs to safer locations as the storm approached. In Tulum, authorities shut down operations and evacuated beachside hotels to ensure safety. While some tourists took last-minute precautions, forecasters predict that Beryl will re-strengthen upon crossing into the Gulf of Mexico, potentially hitting the Mexico-US border.

The storm had already caused substantial damage across several Caribbean islands, including Jamaica and the Cayman Islands, leaving many without power, water, and communication. Authorities continued to assess the damage amid efforts hampered by poor communication infrastructure. As communities began recovery, temporary shelters housed thousands, and residents began clearing debris and repairing homes.

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