Cancún, Quintana Roo – The government of Quintana Roo has announced the suspension of all classes throughout the state on Thursday, June 4, and Friday, June 5, in anticipation of the imminent arrival of Hurricane Beryl. Additionally, a dry law will be enforced starting Thursday, which will remain in effect until authorities declare the emergency has passed.
Governor Mara Lezama, in a joint press conference with the 11 municipal presidents from across the state, emphasized the precautionary measures being taken. She noted that while there is a shelter in Holbox, evacuation of the island will be mandated if the hurricane’s impact is deemed severe.
According to the latest update from the National Meteorological Service at 10 p.m. Quintana Roo time on Tuesday, Hurricane Beryl is currently a Category 4 hurricane moving through the Caribbean Sea at a speed of 35 kilometers per hour. The hurricane is projected to degrade to a Category 2 before making landfall, with the expected impact zone between the municipalities of Tulum and Felipe Carrillo Puerto.
Mary Hernández, the mayor of Felipe Carrillo Puerto, reported that the fishing villages of Punta Herrero and María Elena have already been evacuated. A shelter has also been established for the workers of the Maya Train project. In Tulum, the town of Punta Allen will be evacuated, and the municipality has prepared 11 shelters for the local population, along with additional shelters in the municipal capital and two designated for tourists. Operations at Tulum International Airport will be suspended 24 hours before the anticipated impact.
Juanita Alonso, the mayor of Cozumel, announced that passenger and goods crossings to the island will proceed as normal on Wednesday. However, these services are expected to be suspended from Thursday until weather conditions permit safe navigation.
Statewide, the government has readied 120 shelters to accommodate those affected by the hurricane. Despite assurances from the National Chamber of Commerce, Services and Tourism (Canaco) that supplies are guaranteed, reports of panic buying and price increases for basic goods have surfaced. Governor Lezama urged businesses to maintain fair pricing and encouraged the public to report any abuses to the hotline at 98-31-40 94-87.
As Quintana Roo braces for Hurricane Beryl, the authorities are prioritizing the safety of residents and tourists alike. The state’s comprehensive preparations aim to mitigate the hurricane’s impact and ensure a coordinated response to the impending natural disaster.
