Air search and rescue operations are ramping up as twin storm systems batter Mexico’s Pacific coast, causing the deaths of at least five people.
In response to Hurricanes Rachel and Simon, the Defense Ministry (Sedena) has activated Plan DN-III-E, its operational emergency management plan that places thousands of soldiers, sailors and national guardsmen on alert to protect and aid civilians during natural disasters. Some 14,000 federal and state agents were deployed across Baja California to respond to the emergency.
Soldiers and guardsmen on Monday rescued 32 people stranded outside Ensenada, Baja California, after a mudslide caused by Tropical Storm Rachel cut off their only escape route.
The Air Force employed a “UH-60” Black Hawk helicopter to carry out three air operations, rescuing 22 foreign nationals, 10 Mexicans and three dogs.
The evacuees were members of the Genesis religious community, a Christian ministry that operates orphan care, camps and community outreach programs just outside the port city in the northwestern part of the peninsula.
Rachel, now wreaking havoc in southern California and places as far inland as Las Vegas, has already claimed the lives of four people — including two children — in Mexico.
Ejército Mexicano, Fuerza Aérea y Guardia Nacional rescata a 32 personas y tres caninos en Ensenada, Baja California.
Este 12 de octubre del presente año, personal del Ejército, Fuerza Aérea y Guardia Nacional como parte de la aplicación del Plan DN-III-E realizaron una operación aérea de búsqueda y rescate, con el fin de evacuar a integrantes de una congregación religiosa que quedaron aislados en el rancho “Genesis”, Ensenada, B.C., debido a un deslizamiento de tierra que dificultó el acceso terrestre a la zona el cual fue provocado por las fuertes lluvias de la tormenta tropical “Rachel”.
Ante las condiciones adversas del terreno, clima y las dificultades para acceder por vía terrestre, la Fuerza Aérea Mexicana empleó un helicóptero UH-60, cuya tripulación ejecutó tres operaciones aéreas que permitieron rescatar exitosamente a 22 personas extranjeras, 10 de nacionalidad mexicana y 3 caninos que se encontraban imposibilitados para trasladarse a un lugar seguro, a quienes se les proporcionó atención médica oportuna.
Con estas acciones, el Ejército Mexicano, la Fuerza Aérea y la Guardia Nacional, refrendan su compromiso de brindar el auxilio necesario en situaciones de emergencia, poniendo todas sus capacidades operativas, preparación y recursos al servicio de la población, con el objetivo prioritario de salvaguardar la vida y la integridad de las personas.
#EjércitoMexicano #FuerzaAéreaMx #GuardiaNacional
— @Defensamx (@Defensamx1) October 13, 2026
Baja authorities say at least five others remain missing as floodwaters swept away vehicles, damaged homes and knocked out electricity in Ensenada, while landslides and overflowing rivers were causing problems across the state.
In addition to Sedena’s efforts, Tijuana’s mayor ordered specialized personnel from the municipality’s Security Ministry to support operations in Ensenada, about 80 kilometers (50 miles) to the south.
The Tijuana delegation includes specialists from the Fire Department trained in rescue maneuvers in rugged terrain and hydrometeorological contingency situations, members of the Canine Unit and agents from its Search Cell division.
Farther south, Hurricane Simon is following in Rachel’s path.
Simon claimed the life of a 71-year-old man in Chilpancingo, Guerrero, while also downing trees and electricity poles, making roads impassable and flooding homes in coastal towns.
Though Simon has weakened to a Category 1 hurricane, it is expected to maintain hurricane strength through Wednesday, though its short-term direction and intensity track has defied forecasters’ expectations.
About 127 to 255 millimeters (5 to 10 inches) of rain are expected from Simon across coastal west-central Mexico, with as much as 380 mm (15 inches) in the state of Sinaloa by Thursday.
Flooding and landslides have also been reported in the states of Michoacán and Colima.
With reports from Reporte Índigo, The Guardian, CBS News and La Jornada
