Hurricane “Hilary” Containment: Rofomex Pipeline Fire; Flood Alerts for Baja California and Southern California

Hurricane “Hilary” Containment: Rofomex Pipeline Fire; Flood Alerts for Baja California and Southern California

The coastal impact of hurricane “Hilary” upon Baja California Sur resulted in a pipeline fire at Roca Fosforica Mexicana (Rofomex), which holds a pivotal role as the primary phosphorite producer in the nation. Nevertheless, the situation is currently contained and being managed effectively.

Company officials and representatives from the La Paz Municipal Civil Protection Council have verified the occurrence of this incident in the early hours of Saturday. The incident transpired when an electrical pole collapsed onto a saltwater pipeline at the plant, resulting in an immediate rupture that initiated a fire.

Municipality Head Affirms Swift Response to Emergency and Ongoing Efforts

Erick Ivan Agundez, the head of Civil Protection for the municipality, affirmed the aforementioned details. He further stated that the emergency was promptly addressed and brought under control, with the affected area now under continuous surveillance. The company’s emergency services, in conjunction with municipal authorities, swiftly responded to the scene. Ongoing efforts are focused on the safe severance of the pipeline to prevent a more significant catastrophe.

Up to this point, the Category 3 hurricane has delivered rainfall to both Los Cabos and La Paz during the early hours of the morning. The heavy downpours have resulted in swift streams, leading to a few incidents on the roads. Fortunately, there have been no reported casualties.

On this Saturday, Hurricane Hilary, categorized as a Category 3 storm, is progressing towards the central region of the Baja California peninsula in the northwestern part of Mexico. Anticipated impacts include substantial rainfall and potential flooding, extending into portions of Southern California within the United States.

Although it underwent a downgrade from Category 4 to Category 2 between Friday and Saturday, meteorologists have cautioned that the hurricane holds the potential to trigger “life-threatening” and potentially “catastrophic” flooding in both Baja California and the southwestern United States.

Urgent Caution: Mexico Faces Heavy Rainfall, Floods, and Electric Discharge Hazards

Mexican meteorological authorities have issued a forecast for widespread heavy rainfall accompanied by lightning and the looming threat of floods across a significant expanse of the country. They have also urged the population to exercise utmost caution due to heightened wave activity, the risk of rivers and streams overflowing their banks, and the potential hazards caused by electric discharges.

Meanwhile, in California, an evacuation advisory has been declared for Santa Catalina Island, a tourist destination located 37 kilometers off the state’s southern coast. In Los Angeles, local authorities have undertaken efforts to relocate homeless individuals from the streets to shelters in response to the approaching storm.