Mexican gov't releases Hurricane Otis reconstruction plan

MEXICO CITY -- Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador on Thursday announced a reconstruction plan for communities in the southern state of Guerrero devastated by Hurricane Otis, which claimed 50 lives, left 30 missing and caused severe material damage.

Otis hit the Pacific Coast state on Oct 25 as a category 5 hurricane, causing massive destruction, especially to hotel infrastructure and homes, in the popular tourism destination of Acapulco, nearby Coyuca de Benitez and other places.

"The essence of the reconstruction of Coyuca and Acapulco, in general, is to rebuild homes," the president said at his daily press conference, adding more than 250,000 homes need to be rehabilitated.

Ariadna Montiel Reyes, the secretary of Welfare, said that the federal government will begin distributing aid, including household supplies and cash, to victims from Nov 29.

Each household impacted by the hurricane will receive between 35,000 and up to 60,000 pesos ($2,000 and up to $3,500), which will be delivered in two installments starting Dec 9.

In addition, the economy ministry will offer financial support, including exemptions from value-added sales tax and income tax, applicable from October 2023 to February 2024. Electricity service will be provided free of charge for four months.