Tropical Storm Rachel death toll rises to eight in Mexico

Tijuana, Mexico - At least eight people have died after Tropical Storm Rachel swept along Mexico's Pacific coast, according to an updated toll from government authorities on Wednesday.

High waves crash against the waterfront as a red flag flies in Acapulco, Mexico, on September 28, 2026, warning vessels not to sail ahead of the arrival of Tropical Storm Rachel. At least eight people have died in the storm, according to Mexican authorities.
High waves crash against the waterfront as a red flag flies in Acapulco, Mexico, on September 28, 2026, warning vessels not to sail ahead of the arrival of Tropical Storm Rachel. At least eight people have died in the storm, according to Mexican authorities.   © FRANCISCO ROBLES / AFP

Since last week, the storm has brought rain and flooding to the northwestern state of Baja California, which borders the US.

The Mexican army and navy are continuing search and rescue operations while two other people remain missing, military officials said during a press conference.

Four deaths had been reported as of Monday, when officials also reported 32 people had been rescued by helicopter.

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This year's hurricane season in the Pacific Ocean is expected to be more intense due to the El Nino weather phenomenon, which warms surface waters and disrupts wind and rainfall patterns.

Two other major storms are currently active in the Pacific near Mexico, Category 1 storm Simon and tropical storm Trudy, according to the US National Hurricane Center.

Hurricane Simon skirts Mexico's coastline, posing severe danger Hurricane Simon skirts Mexico's coastline, posing severe danger
Hurricane Simon lashes Mexico's Pacific coast as it threatens landfall Hurricane Simon lashes Mexico's Pacific coast as it threatens landfall
Hurricane Simon proves deadly force, leaving at least one dead while creeping up Mexico's coast Hurricane Simon proves deadly force, leaving at least one dead while creeping up Mexico's coast
Hurricane Simon and Tropical Storm Rachel pummel Mexico's Pacific coast, leaving at least five dead Hurricane Simon and Tropical Storm Rachel pummel Mexico's Pacific coast, leaving at least five dead

Simon has caused torrential rains in Jalisco and Guerrero, where a 71-year-old died when a wall collapsed recently.

Neither storm is currently expected to make landfall.

Cover photo: FRANCISCO ROBLES / AFP

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