Melissa interviewed José Luis Hernández Barragán, the city record keeper, to find out what it was like after the massive category 5 storm ripped through Playa del Carmen
On October 21, 2005, the most powerful hurricane at that point in history, Hurricane Wilma, hit the north of Quintana Roo. as a Category 5 hurricane with winds above 250 kilometers per hour passing slowly over Playa del Carmen.
José Luis Hernández Barragán, city record keeper, remembers how in only four days, Playa del Carmen was on its feet again, even though only four months before in July, Hurricane Emily (category 4), had touched land.
What was the impact of Wilma in Playa del Carmen?
Fortunately, we have a culture of hurricane preparedness. Wilma was very strong. There were a lot of material damages, but we knew how to deal with the situation.
Wilma was a huge hurricane. What was it like?
Although it was a large storm, there were enough shelters for tourists and locals. The shelters are indispensable in these cases, in some neighborhoods, many shelters even had kitchens, thanks to the work of the Army and Marines.
In four days, services were normal again?
The federal government sent trucks with supplies and within four days there was enough electricity, food, and water. Solidarity in a crisis is something important for the Mexican people. The damages were devastating, but social solidarity helped.
What was the damage like?
There was a lot of damage to the palapas found in the tourist areas. Some ships and boats suffered some damage. At that time, Tulum was part of Solidaridad (Playa del Carmen), Boca Paila always received the brunt of the damage because of its geographical location.
What interesting stories do you remember?
The Coba lagoon overflowed and the crocodiles were wandering throughout the area, causing tremendous panic. A small airplane was left wheels up and another was found literally stuck in the ground. Some boats left the water and ended up in the middle of restaurants.
Editor´s Note: Were you here during Wilma? We would love to hear from you about your experience. Please email your stories to me at edition@meridianmedia.mx. Maybe we will print your story in the next edition!
