Airbus Helicopters, April 06, 2024 - In October of 2023, Hurricane Otis devastated Acapulco and surrounding communities in the State of Guerrero.
With power lines knocked down, public services and communications no longer in service, the city’s infrastructure was in complete disarray. As the hurricane had ravaged homes and the area’s food and water supply, many residents, many of whom were injured, were left hungry and without shelter.
As a result, local operators, government authorities and armed forces were called upon to provide urgent support - and with the use of both military and civil Airbus aircraft, as well as satellite imagery and portable radios, they were quick to respond.
Víctor de la Vela, Head of Latin America at Airbus Defence and Space said "Disaster management is most efficiently addressed through the employment of assets ranging from Space to Earth, ensuring a rapid reaction capability. During Hurricane Otis, the access to satellite imagery to assess the terrain, the availability of secure communications that connected the rescue forces involved, and the readiness of the transport fleet to deliver personnel and goods to the most affected areas allowed us to properly assist Mexico in such difficult times"
Mexican Navy AS565MBe Panther
Military helicopters also played an important role in providing immediate support. AS565MBe Panther helicopters from the Ministry of the Navy carried out missions to assist victims in the hours after the hurricane hit, and H225 from the Mexican Air Force flew over the port to provide aerial reconnaissance.
Michoacán H125 helicopter
In addition, an H125 from the Ministry of the Navy and an H125 from the Government of Michoacán contributed to aeromedical missions to transport injured people in need of urgent care. Helicopters from customers such as Transportes Pegaso, through the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE), did not hesitate to get involved either, sending an H130and three H145 helicopters to carry out aerial and repair work and to restore power in the areas affected by the hurricane.
Guillaume Leprince, Managing Director Airbus Helicopters Mexico said "When a disaster like Hurricane Otis occurs, time is of the essence. Helicopters are undoubtedly a unique tool when it comes to responding urgently to a natural disaster, because with a single platform, security forces can carry out missions such as search and rescue, arial command and control, medical evacuation, transport of rescuers, or loading of essential goods. We are very proud that our helicopters can perform these essential missions when people need them most”
With the help of local and government operators and Airbus’ range of solutions, support was provided promptly - a true testament to how a multi-assets approach is key when providing disaster relief.
With power lines knocked down, public services and communications no longer in service, the city’s infrastructure was in complete disarray. As the hurricane had ravaged homes and the area’s food and water supply, many residents, many of whom were injured, were left hungry and without shelter.
As a result, local operators, government authorities and armed forces were called upon to provide urgent support - and with the use of both military and civil Airbus aircraft, as well as satellite imagery and portable radios, they were quick to respond.
Víctor de la Vela, Head of Latin America at Airbus Defence and Space said "Disaster management is most efficiently addressed through the employment of assets ranging from Space to Earth, ensuring a rapid reaction capability. During Hurricane Otis, the access to satellite imagery to assess the terrain, the availability of secure communications that connected the rescue forces involved, and the readiness of the transport fleet to deliver personnel and goods to the most affected areas allowed us to properly assist Mexico in such difficult times"
Mexican Navy AS565MBe Panther
Military helicopters also played an important role in providing immediate support. AS565MBe Panther helicopters from the Ministry of the Navy carried out missions to assist victims in the hours after the hurricane hit, and H225 from the Mexican Air Force flew over the port to provide aerial reconnaissance.
Michoacán H125 helicopter
In addition, an H125 from the Ministry of the Navy and an H125 from the Government of Michoacán contributed to aeromedical missions to transport injured people in need of urgent care. Helicopters from customers such as Transportes Pegaso, through the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE), did not hesitate to get involved either, sending an H130and three H145 helicopters to carry out aerial and repair work and to restore power in the areas affected by the hurricane.
Guillaume Leprince, Managing Director Airbus Helicopters Mexico said "When a disaster like Hurricane Otis occurs, time is of the essence. Helicopters are undoubtedly a unique tool when it comes to responding urgently to a natural disaster, because with a single platform, security forces can carry out missions such as search and rescue, arial command and control, medical evacuation, transport of rescuers, or loading of essential goods. We are very proud that our helicopters can perform these essential missions when people need them most”
With the help of local and government operators and Airbus’ range of solutions, support was provided promptly - a true testament to how a multi-assets approach is key when providing disaster relief.
See also |
Mexico 
