Puerto Vallarta, Mexico — Significant damage was reported in the first and second sections of Puerto Vallarta’s iconic boardwalk following the passage of Hurricane Lidia during the late hours of Tuesday and early Wednesday morning.
The waterfront promenade, one of the city’s primary tourist attractions, was littered with debris from dozens of fallen trees, and several light fixtures were damaged due to strong wind gusts.
Early assessments revealed that the first section of the boardwalk saw more than five fallen trees, which obstructed the pedestrian pathway. Cleanup crews were on site early this Wednesday morning, working to remove the debris and restore access.
In the second section, powerful wave activity caused rocks of varying sizes to be displaced onto the pedestrian area. Additionally, the winds reportedly knocked down some light fixtures, adding further complexity to the ongoing cleanup efforts.
Local shops along the boardwalk experienced facade damage caused by the hurricane’s forceful winds. No injuries have been reported despite the destruction, and most establishments escaped major structural harm.
At the mouth of the Cuale River, initial reports indicate no significant incidents, with the only notable observations being tree trunks dragged by the river’s current and slightly elevated water levels that are not deemed a risk to local inhabitants.
Minor sewage leaks were observed in the city center on Juárez Street in a separate but related development. Visual evidence shows sporadic outbreaks of sewage emanating from sewer grates, likely exacerbated by the recent weather conditions.
Authorities have prioritized immediate cleanup and restoration activities. They anticipate that the boardwalk will return to optimal conditions by Wednesday afternoon and evening, permitting regular pedestrian and business activity to resume.
Given the limited scope of severe damage and the absence of injuries, Hurricane Lidia’s impact on Puerto Vallarta, while disruptive, appears to be less devastating than initially feared. Residents and business owners are urged to exercise caution as cleanup efforts continue.
