Tourists evacuated from Mexico holiday resort
Emergency flights have started to evacuate some of the 40,000 tourists who have been stranded at the Mexican holiday resort of Acapulco by severe flooding after the region was hit by two tropical storms.
Two passenger planes are being used in the operation while the army has also pressed into service five helicopters and seven cargo aircraft.
The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office said it was aware of the problems being caused to British tourists by the storms. In a statement it said: "We are in close contact with local authorities and are providing consular assistance to British nationals in the affected area.
"British people who require assistance should contact the British embassy in Mexico City."
Thomson, the largest operator to sell holidays to Mexico, said it did not have any customers in the area. "At present we only operate to resorts on the Atlantic coast of Mexico which was unaffected by the severe weather earlier this week, and remains very much a ‘business as usual’ operation. Mexico continues to be an extremely popular destination with our customers."
Although Acapulco airport has been closed to regular flights due to flooding, rescue flights are being operated by Aeromexico and Interjet. Priority is being given to those with tickets, the elderly and families with young children.
A concert hall is being used as a temporary shelter and operations centre for the airport.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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