By Natalia Rueda 
Mexico – In a devastating encounter, Hurricane Beryl, a strong Category 3 storm, slammed into Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, wreaking havoc on more than two million residents and iconic tourist havens such as Cancun and Tulum. With its powerful winds initially reaching a staggering 250 kilometers per hour, Beryl left a path of destruction from the Caribbean to Mexico, killing 10 people, toppling buildings, causing widespread power outages and paralyzing daily life.
While the storm’s intensity has since decreased to 175 kilometers per hour, the consequences in Mexico are dire. Authorities were quick to intervene, setting up emergency shelters and mobilizing the military to help. The widespread impact of the storm underscores the urgency with which climate change must be addressed, as erratic and increasingly severe weather patterns continue to emerge as a dangerous norm.
⚠️Resiste #Cancun⚠️
— Reporter@, Un diario para cínicos. (@DiarioReporter) July 5, 2024
Las intensas lluvias continúan en la península mexicana. Pobladores y turistas se resguardan ante las incesantes lluvias del #HuracanBeryl. pic.twitter.com/YjZtmK4edH
In Cancun the situation has reached crisis levels. Supermarkets often run out of basic necessities, leaving residents scrambling for supplies. More than 300 flights have suffered cancellations or delays, highlighting the disruption caused to the region’s infrastructure and economy.
En Quintana Roo se tomaron muy seriamente el cuidado de los perritos ante la llegada de Beryl y así es como se ve uno de los refugios, todos los lomitos estarán seguros durante el paso del huracán. pic.twitter.com/NiwizCI3CN
— Cerebros (@CerebrosG) July 5, 2024
Beryl’s catastrophic rise to become the most intense storm to reach Category 5 in July is a clear indicator of the growing threat posed by global warming. High sea surface temperatures, driven by climate change, have been the critical factor in Beryl’s unprecedented strength. Warm waters act as a powerhouse, fueling hurricanes and intensifying their destructive capability. As ocean temperatures rise, these events gain more energy, prolonging their duration and extending their reach.
The urgency of addressing climate change is no longer a distant goal but an immediate necessity, as the frequency and intensity of such weather events as Berly show no signs of abating.
The conversation around Hurricane Beryl is not simply about rebuilding and recovery, but must turn to long-term solutions. It is a wake-up call for the international community to take decisive action against climate change, address the root causes and implement strategies that can mitigate the adverse effects on the planet.