Hurricanes that have devastated some regions of the state of Baja California Sur have occurred over the years, leaving a trail of destruction due to the force with which they have hit the Baja California peninsula, during the path of the cyclones through the Mexican Pacific Ocean.
Hurricanes that have devastated the state of BCS
Baja California Sur, due to its geographic location, has been a recurring point of impact for hurricanes and tropical storms. Throughout history, some of these phenomena have caused significant damage to both infrastructure and the lives of the inhabitants of the region. Below is a list of the most devastating hurricanes that have hit the state:
Hurricane Liza (1976): Liza is remembered as one of the deadliest hurricanes in the history of Baja California Sur. It hit La Paz on September 30, 1976, causing a dam to break and triggering catastrophic flooding. Official figures reported more than 600 dead, although the actual number of victims is estimated to be higher. The tragedy left a deep scar on the region, marking a before and after in the preparation for natural disasters.
Hurricane Juliette (2001): This Category 4 hurricane made landfall in the south of the peninsula on September 29, 2001. Juliette brought torrential rains and destructive winds that severely affected the communities of Los Cabos, La Paz and Loreto. Infrastructure was severely damaged and several communities were isolated for days due to flooding.
Hurricane John (2006): John, also a Category 4, impacted southern Baja California Sur in early September 2006. Los Cabos was the hardest hit area, with damaged roads, power outages and numerous homes destroyed. Although mass evacuations helped minimize the loss of life, material damage was significant.
Hurricane Jimena (2009): Jimena was a Category 4 hurricane that struck the western coast of Baja California Sur on September 2, 2009. Torrential rains caused severe flooding in Mulegé, destroying homes and leaving thousands homeless. The hurricane also disrupted communications and power in several parts of the state.
Hurricane Odile (2014): Odile is considered one of the most powerful hurricanes to ever make landfall on the peninsula. On September 14, 2014, as a Category 3 hurricane, it made a direct impact on Los Cabos, causing massive destruction throughout the region. Wind gusts of over 200 km/h and heavy rains caused catastrophic damage to hotels, homes, and utilities. Odile left hundreds of thousands of people without power or drinking water for weeks, and rebuilding took several months.
Hurricane Norma (2023): 20 damaged vessels were counted and around 3 sunk in the bay of La Paz. It left damages of more than 280 million pesos, especially to the road infrastructure
These hurricanes that have devastated some regions of the state, left a mark on the infrastructure of Baja California Sur, in addition to being engraved in the memory of its inhabitants, who prepare every year to face the hurricane season.
Source: tribunademexico
