On September 13, 2014, it appeared as if Hurricane Odile would miss Los Cabos and we would experience only some wind and rain overnight. However, at the last minute the storm veered to the East and the night of September 14, Hurricane Odile hit a largely unprepared Cabo San Lucas directly as a powerful Category 3 Hurricane, the strongest hurricane ever to make landfall in the Baja Peninsula of Mexico.
Hurricane Odile hit with sustained winds of up to 125 mph, causing major damage to the city, the resorts, and the infrastructure of the entire state of Baja California Sur. An estimated 92% of the State's population was left without power or water, and most of Los Cabos is still without. 30,000 tourists were in the Baja during the storm, and airlift is still ongoing. All remaining tourists are reportedly well with food and water.
Recovery in a Nutshell...
According to official estimates:
Los Cabos Int'l Airport (SJD) Reopen: October 4th
Cabo San Lucas Airport (CSL) Reopen: October 10*
Power Restored: 45%
Water Restored: Monday or Tuesday (Already Mostly Restored)
Phone Restored: Completed
Internet Restored: Completed
Garbage Pick-Up: Resumed
Most Hotels Reopening: October 1 through October 15
Bisbee's Fishing Tournament: On as Scheduled for October 17
* The CSL Airport reports on their Facebook page that they have been operating normally (days only) since September 17.
"The Local Take"
"GOOD NEWS things are coming back together faster than we ever thought possible. A few neighborhoods have power, gas stations are open and without queues. Banks will open Monday. The army are doing a sensational job of cleaning up and getting food and water to people in need, though not all areas have been taken care of yet. Community kitchens have opened up in several areas". - Pisces Sportfishing 9/20/14
Evacuation Update
Within 36 hours of the storm, the Los Cabos Airport was back in operation for non-commercial flights. The military, later joined by commercial airlines from the USA, Canada and Mexico, began evacuating the remaining tourists on Tuesday, September 16. All tourists that want to be evacuated are now on their way home. Some (bless their hearts) are staying behind to help and show support.
Tuesday Sept. 16: 5,000
Wednesday Sept. 17: 6,000
Thursday, Sept. 18: 8,000
Friday, Sept. 19: 8,000
Saturday, Sept. 20: The Remainder
Airport Update
The Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) did not suffer any infrastructure damage, but there was damage to the terminals and to the control tower. The airport was open for about a week for humanitarian flights, but now closed again to focus on repair. It is projected to open again for normal traffic by approximately October 4th, 2014. The smaller Cabo San Lucas Airport did not suffer damage to the runways and has been operating normally since September 17, but days only at this time.
Utility Update
Nearly 1,000 workers are working feverishly to restore power and water to the Los Cabos area. At this time, 85% of the power in Northern Baja California Sur has been restored, and about 80% of the power in La Paz. The power in Los Cabos is more challenging as about 800 power poles need to be reset. Early estimates of 2-3 weeks seem to have been overstated, as power has already been restored to 45% of Los Cabos.
Telmex has restored telecommunications (telephone, internet) to 100% of the area and no more lines at the gas stations.
Some water has been restored to Cabo - about 40% of normal capacity. They are testing the desalination plant and expect full water recovery this week. A very welcome thing indeed.
Security Update
After a couple of days of much publicized looting of stores, official sources and reports from the ground agree that things are now under control and the over 1000 military units are now keeping the peace. The government says that rumors of a jailbreak were not true.
Business Update
Baja Cantina Marina, Mango Cantina, La Davina and Cabo Cantina are open for business with food and cold drinks available. Reports are that Solomon's Landing, Mango Deck, Cabo Blue and Captain Tony's will be reopen again probably tomorrow. Many other restuarants will remain closed until the tourists return since all of their clientele was tourists. Beach vendors have been being spotted again.
6 bank branches have reopened, and 3 ATMs. Several gas stations are open, and 6 of the area's 19 grocery and department stores have reopened, including Wal-Mart. Some Cabo San Lucas fishing charters are reporting they are ready to go fishing.
The East Cape area was largely unaffected and those businesses are running as normal. La Paz is also largely back to normal operations.
Humanitarian Update
Hundreds of tons of food and water have arrived to the area by land and sea and are being distributed to those in need. The Mexican Red Cross is leading the efforts together with the military and collection stations have been set up throughout Mexico for goods. However there are thousands of homeless people in the colonies after the storm, and so many more who have lost so much that it will take much time to rebuild their lives.
The local relief organizations are badly in need of funds to assist the families they represent. You can make a donation directly to the Mexican Red Cross through their website or by using a registered US based foundation such as the International Community Foundation who works together with the local relief agencies in Baja California Sur.
International Community Foundation - $21,295.00 in 5 Days
Sarahuaro Community - $19.635.00 in 5 Days
Bisbee's Hurricane Relief - $40,000.00 in 4 Days + $250k from Bisbees
There are many other unofficial organizations collecting funds as well, which is great. But we recommend officially recognized organizations.
How Else You Can Help
While the tourist infrastructure may be up and going strong by October, the humanitarian needs of the local people will be high for much longer. The needs of the local people are great, and without income it will be very difficult for them to recover.
As soon as Cabo is ready to welcome you again, there is perhaps no better way to contribute to the recovery than with your tourist dollars. Every margarita you drink or taco you eat gives a hotel or restaurant worker a job, who then uses that money to buy things at the store, giving the store employee a job and money to spend to buy things at another store, and so on. The impact is felt through this small community in so many ways. Cabo needs you, especially in this already low season. We hope to see you in October when the resorts and town are ready to host you.
Hotel Damage & Reopening Updates
Many hotels in Cabo fared pretty well during the storm, reporting only minor damage. However, they still have some clean-up to do which will keep most resorts closed until about October 1st. By this time many resorts predict that they will open, and many more by October 15. A few were heavily damaged and will remain closed until October 31 or longer. Here is a list of the official estimates we have received so far:
Bahia Hotel - Only minimal damage. October 30 "or sooner".
Barcelo Grand Faro - Still Assessing. Tentatively September 22
Cabo Azul - December
Cabo Pulmo Resort - Minimal damage. Operational.
Cabo Villas - Minimal damage. September 27
Capella Pedral - October 1
Casa Dorada - October 9
Club Cascadas - October 15
Club Regina - October 31
Dreams Los Cabos - Sustained cosmetic damages and substantial debris, yet no serious structural damages. October 15.
East Cape Resorts - Very minor damage, fully operational. Out fishing.
East Cape RV - Only three trees down and no major damage to trailers or palap
as, and no damage to boats.
Esperanza - October 13
Fiesta Americana Los Cabos - November 15 for a big group, then November 23 for individual reservations.
Finisterra - Tentative date of October 1.
Grand Mayan Los Cabos - Significant damage, including windows blown out. Closed for approximately 2 months.
Grand Solmar - October 22
Hacienda Beach Club - October 15
Hacienda del Mar - October 31
Hacienda Encantada - October 15
Hilton Los Cabos - Still Assessing. Significant damage.
Holiday Inn - "At Least November 1"
Hotel Los Pescadores - Closed for a week or so for personal reasons and waiting for airport to open.
Hyatt Place - October 17
Hyatt Ziva - October 17
Las Ventanas - Assessing damage. Will update on Sept 22.
Los Barrilles - Very minor damage. Fully operational.
Los Cabos Golf Resort - No serious damage, just cosmetic. Closed for 2 weeks for clean-up.
Marina Fiesta - October 15
ME Cabo - October 16
Melia Real - October 15
One & Only Palmilla - October 15
Playa Grande - October 22
Pueblo Bonito Los Cabos - No structural damage, just cleanup. October 1
Pueblo Bonito Montecristo Estates - No structural damage, just cleanup. October 1
Pueblo Bonito Rose - No structural damage, just cleanup. October 1
Pueblo Bonito Pacifica - No structural damage, just cleanup. October 1
Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach - No structural damage, just cleanup. October 1
Quinta del Sol - October 22
Rancho Leonoro - Minimal damage. Fully operational. Out fishing.
Riu Palace - Unofficially saying they expect to be open in 2 weeks. No official word yet.
Riu Santa Fe - Significant damage. No assessment yet.
Royal Decameron - October 17
Royal Solaris - October 10
Secrets Marquis - Sustained cosmetic damages and substantial debris, yet no serious structural damages. October 15.
Secrets Puerto Los Cabos - Cosmetic damage and debris, no structural damage. October 15.
Sheraton - Significant damage. Closed until "at least" October 31.
Solmar - October 22
Villa del Arco - Minimal damage. October 1
Villa del Palmar - Minimal damage. October 1
Villa La Estancia - Minimal damage. October 1
Westin - Significant damage. Windows blew out. Closed until "at least" October 31.
Worldmark Coral Baja - January 31
Wyndham - "Unaffected". Just basic clean-up to do of pools and grounds. October 1.
Zoetry - Cosmetic damage and debris, no structural damage. October 15.
Recommendations
Currently, Cabo is not ready for touristic arrivals. There is a lot of work to do. If you have vacation plans during this next week or so, you will want to contact your hotel and airline and change your dates to at least October and at least until after the power has been restored for several days. In October, there will still be work going on in Cabo, but as long as your resort is open for business, there will still be plenty to enjoy. The tourist infrastructure always comes back quicker than the local areas, and Mexico is one of the world's best at this. You will truly be surprised to see how quickly Cabo is restored, given the severity of the hit.
The beaches, the sunshine, the pool, the food, and the margaritas will all be here. The marina is reportedly without structural damage and most boats were unharmed.
Hurricane Odile hit with sustained winds of up to 125 mph, causing major damage to the city, the resorts, and the infrastructure of the entire state of Baja California Sur. An estimated 92% of the State's population was left without power or water, and most of Los Cabos is still without. 30,000 tourists were in the Baja during the storm, and airlift is still ongoing. All remaining tourists are reportedly well with food and water.
Recovery in a Nutshell...
According to official estimates:
Los Cabos Int'l Airport (SJD) Reopen: October 4th
Cabo San Lucas Airport (CSL) Reopen: October 10*
Power Restored: 45%
Water Restored: Monday or Tuesday (Already Mostly Restored)
Phone Restored: Completed
Internet Restored: Completed
Garbage Pick-Up: Resumed
Most Hotels Reopening: October 1 through October 15
Bisbee's Fishing Tournament: On as Scheduled for October 17
* The CSL Airport reports on their Facebook page that they have been operating normally (days only) since September 17.
"The Local Take"
"GOOD NEWS things are coming back together faster than we ever thought possible. A few neighborhoods have power, gas stations are open and without queues. Banks will open Monday. The army are doing a sensational job of cleaning up and getting food and water to people in need, though not all areas have been taken care of yet. Community kitchens have opened up in several areas". - Pisces Sportfishing 9/20/14
Evacuation Update
Within 36 hours of the storm, the Los Cabos Airport was back in operation for non-commercial flights. The military, later joined by commercial airlines from the USA, Canada and Mexico, began evacuating the remaining tourists on Tuesday, September 16. All tourists that want to be evacuated are now on their way home. Some (bless their hearts) are staying behind to help and show support.
Tuesday Sept. 16: 5,000
Wednesday Sept. 17: 6,000
Thursday, Sept. 18: 8,000
Friday, Sept. 19: 8,000
Saturday, Sept. 20: The Remainder
Airport Update
The Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) did not suffer any infrastructure damage, but there was damage to the terminals and to the control tower. The airport was open for about a week for humanitarian flights, but now closed again to focus on repair. It is projected to open again for normal traffic by approximately October 4th, 2014. The smaller Cabo San Lucas Airport did not suffer damage to the runways and has been operating normally since September 17, but days only at this time.
Utility Update
Nearly 1,000 workers are working feverishly to restore power and water to the Los Cabos area. At this time, 85% of the power in Northern Baja California Sur has been restored, and about 80% of the power in La Paz. The power in Los Cabos is more challenging as about 800 power poles need to be reset. Early estimates of 2-3 weeks seem to have been overstated, as power has already been restored to 45% of Los Cabos.
Telmex has restored telecommunications (telephone, internet) to 100% of the area and no more lines at the gas stations.
Some water has been restored to Cabo - about 40% of normal capacity. They are testing the desalination plant and expect full water recovery this week. A very welcome thing indeed.
Security Update
After a couple of days of much publicized looting of stores, official sources and reports from the ground agree that things are now under control and the over 1000 military units are now keeping the peace. The government says that rumors of a jailbreak were not true.
Business Update
Baja Cantina Marina, Mango Cantina, La Davina and Cabo Cantina are open for business with food and cold drinks available. Reports are that Solomon's Landing, Mango Deck, Cabo Blue and Captain Tony's will be reopen again probably tomorrow. Many other restuarants will remain closed until the tourists return since all of their clientele was tourists. Beach vendors have been being spotted again.
6 bank branches have reopened, and 3 ATMs. Several gas stations are open, and 6 of the area's 19 grocery and department stores have reopened, including Wal-Mart. Some Cabo San Lucas fishing charters are reporting they are ready to go fishing.
The East Cape area was largely unaffected and those businesses are running as normal. La Paz is also largely back to normal operations.
Humanitarian Update
Hundreds of tons of food and water have arrived to the area by land and sea and are being distributed to those in need. The Mexican Red Cross is leading the efforts together with the military and collection stations have been set up throughout Mexico for goods. However there are thousands of homeless people in the colonies after the storm, and so many more who have lost so much that it will take much time to rebuild their lives.
The local relief organizations are badly in need of funds to assist the families they represent. You can make a donation directly to the Mexican Red Cross through their website or by using a registered US based foundation such as the International Community Foundation who works together with the local relief agencies in Baja California Sur.
International Community Foundation - $21,295.00 in 5 Days
Sarahuaro Community - $19.635.00 in 5 Days
Bisbee's Hurricane Relief - $40,000.00 in 4 Days + $250k from Bisbees
There are many other unofficial organizations collecting funds as well, which is great. But we recommend officially recognized organizations.
How Else You Can Help
While the tourist infrastructure may be up and going strong by October, the humanitarian needs of the local people will be high for much longer. The needs of the local people are great, and without income it will be very difficult for them to recover.
As soon as Cabo is ready to welcome you again, there is perhaps no better way to contribute to the recovery than with your tourist dollars. Every margarita you drink or taco you eat gives a hotel or restaurant worker a job, who then uses that money to buy things at the store, giving the store employee a job and money to spend to buy things at another store, and so on. The impact is felt through this small community in so many ways. Cabo needs you, especially in this already low season. We hope to see you in October when the resorts and town are ready to host you.
Hotel Damage & Reopening Updates
Many hotels in Cabo fared pretty well during the storm, reporting only minor damage. However, they still have some clean-up to do which will keep most resorts closed until about October 1st. By this time many resorts predict that they will open, and many more by October 15. A few were heavily damaged and will remain closed until October 31 or longer. Here is a list of the official estimates we have received so far:
Bahia Hotel - Only minimal damage. October 30 "or sooner".
Barcelo Grand Faro - Still Assessing. Tentatively September 22
Cabo Azul - December
Cabo Pulmo Resort - Minimal damage. Operational.
Cabo Villas - Minimal damage. September 27
Capella Pedral - October 1
Casa Dorada - October 9
Club Cascadas - October 15
Club Regina - October 31
Dreams Los Cabos - Sustained cosmetic damages and substantial debris, yet no serious structural damages. October 15.
East Cape Resorts - Very minor damage, fully operational. Out fishing.
East Cape RV - Only three trees down and no major damage to trailers or palap
as, and no damage to boats.
Esperanza - October 13
Fiesta Americana Los Cabos - November 15 for a big group, then November 23 for individual reservations.
Finisterra - Tentative date of October 1.
Grand Mayan Los Cabos - Significant damage, including windows blown out. Closed for approximately 2 months.
Grand Solmar - October 22
Hacienda Beach Club - October 15
Hacienda del Mar - October 31
Hacienda Encantada - October 15
Hilton Los Cabos - Still Assessing. Significant damage.
Holiday Inn - "At Least November 1"
Hotel Los Pescadores - Closed for a week or so for personal reasons and waiting for airport to open.
Hyatt Place - October 17
Hyatt Ziva - October 17
Las Ventanas - Assessing damage. Will update on Sept 22.
Los Barrilles - Very minor damage. Fully operational.
Los Cabos Golf Resort - No serious damage, just cosmetic. Closed for 2 weeks for clean-up.
Marina Fiesta - October 15
ME Cabo - October 16
Melia Real - October 15
One & Only Palmilla - October 15
Playa Grande - October 22
Pueblo Bonito Los Cabos - No structural damage, just cleanup. October 1
Pueblo Bonito Montecristo Estates - No structural damage, just cleanup. October 1
Pueblo Bonito Rose - No structural damage, just cleanup. October 1
Pueblo Bonito Pacifica - No structural damage, just cleanup. October 1
Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach - No structural damage, just cleanup. October 1
Quinta del Sol - October 22
Rancho Leonoro - Minimal damage. Fully operational. Out fishing.
Riu Palace - Unofficially saying they expect to be open in 2 weeks. No official word yet.
Riu Santa Fe - Significant damage. No assessment yet.
Royal Decameron - October 17
Royal Solaris - October 10
Secrets Marquis - Sustained cosmetic damages and substantial debris, yet no serious structural damages. October 15.
Secrets Puerto Los Cabos - Cosmetic damage and debris, no structural damage. October 15.
Sheraton - Significant damage. Closed until "at least" October 31.
Solmar - October 22
Villa del Arco - Minimal damage. October 1
Villa del Palmar - Minimal damage. October 1
Villa La Estancia - Minimal damage. October 1
Westin - Significant damage. Windows blew out. Closed until "at least" October 31.
Worldmark Coral Baja - January 31
Wyndham - "Unaffected". Just basic clean-up to do of pools and grounds. October 1.
Zoetry - Cosmetic damage and debris, no structural damage. October 15.
Recommendations
Currently, Cabo is not ready for touristic arrivals. There is a lot of work to do. If you have vacation plans during this next week or so, you will want to contact your hotel and airline and change your dates to at least October and at least until after the power has been restored for several days. In October, there will still be work going on in Cabo, but as long as your resort is open for business, there will still be plenty to enjoy. The tourist infrastructure always comes back quicker than the local areas, and Mexico is one of the world's best at this. You will truly be surprised to see how quickly Cabo is restored, given the severity of the hit.
The beaches, the sunshine, the pool, the food, and the margaritas will all be here. The marina is reportedly without structural damage and most boats were unharmed.
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