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Esteban

Aug 31, 2005, 1:21 PM

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Thinking about the dangers of Mazatlan?

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For those doing research about retiring in Mazatlan, I've done a little research on the history of hurricanes here. Not too severe. Vale la pena to live here.

1957
October 21 Winds 130 mph in Mazatlan, Mexico before the anemometer blew away; Extensive damage to buildings; many boats sunk or beached; 8 people killed when Mazatlan's jail blew down.

1975
October 25 Winds exceed 100 mph; 30 dead and 30,000 people homeless in Mazatlan, Mexico.

1983
October 19 Winds to 125 mph at Mazatlan, Mexico. Flooding in the city leaves 25,000 homeless.

garold

Aug 31, 2005, 2:14 PM

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Re: [Esteban] Thinking about the dangers of Mazatlan?

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I'm staying the hell out of Mazatlan during the month of October.

Gringal

Aug 31, 2005, 3:32 PM

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Re: [Esteban] Thinking about the dangers of Mazatlan?

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All those in one lifetime? Gee, it's nice in the Central Highlands living in the bowl of an ancient (ulp) volcano here in SMA.

MG Rabon

Aug 31, 2005, 5:09 PM

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Re: [Gringal] Thinking about the dangers of Mazatlan?

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I don't think there is anywhere that is 'safe'. When your time comes, your time comes. It could be a hurricane, an earthquake, a volcano popping up out of a corn field, or a heart attack while viewing your kid's cell phone bill from college.

While hurricanes happen every summer, if you pick any particular place and view their hurricane history, you'll find they all look just about like what was posted about Mazatlan....well maybe minus all the deaths if you are talking about the US after about 1970, as our warning systems have gotten so much better. I remember hearing on the radio last sunday, while the people in New Orleans were evacuating, that it was a bright and sunny day there with no hint of what was to come, 100 years ago nobody would have even known to evacuate. Had this storm taken them all by surprise, and totally unprepared, the death toll would have been staggering, maybe several hundred thousand.

Compórtate bien, y si no puedes, invítame!
MG Rabon

Esteban

Aug 31, 2005, 5:16 PM

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Re: [MG Rabon] Thinking about the dangers of Mazatlan?

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That's how I see it. I watch the weather because I'm looking for the next swell. I can usually pinpoint at least the day, as to when we'll have good surf. I watch the tormentas closely on the computer and find that there is no reason to be afraid. From here, it's just minutes to safety. We have plenty of time to get out of harms way in Mazatlan with the use of broadband internet. That wasn't the case in the past. In fact, I've got better knowledge of hurricanes than the local lifeguards. The last hurricane that could have hit us but hit San Blas instead sent out a huge warning to the lifeguards of Maz. I was out surfing at Playa Los Pinos and didn't know that the beach was closed. They weren't aware that the storm had already made landfall some 4 hours earlier. The guards waved and waved for us all to come in. We took our time and after several good rides, decided to abide by the law. Oh well, it was becoming blown out so no biggie.

kirkswig

Aug 31, 2005, 5:18 PM

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Re: [Esteban] Thinking about the dangers of Mazatlan?

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Not that the prospect of a hurricane doesn't frighten me, but I feel very safe in my tiny little colonial apartment here up on the hill.

As I understand it, Mazatlán shares one feature with New Orleans, and that is that significant portions of the city are below sea level. The flooding that a hurricane would bring could be severe. Up on the hill though makes this less of a problem, but of course, much of the city would be mired in misery, commerce would come to a standstill, many lives potentially lost.

To be honest I first thought about this when the tsumani hit in the Indian ocean. Most of Mazatlán would be just devastated by such an event.

And I just simply adore living beneath these massively huge radio towers. Lets me watch these fearsome thunderstorms without too much worry about getting zapped. The towers provide a cone of protection as it were, and I think I'm pretty well within it. The storms here are worse than any I've ever experienced, with the exception of the two tornado encounters I'd be through.

To boldly go where no wig has gone before.

Esteban

Aug 31, 2005, 6:46 PM

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Re: [kirkswig] Thinking about the dangers of Mazatlan?

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I question your source when you say Maz is below sea level. I know that there are many areas that were built by filling in estuaries or with the tailings from dredging the old harbor. If there were areas below sea level, they would never drain. We don't have dewatering pumps like they have in New Orleans. Yea, I feel safe up on the hill opposite you. Since most of the homes in Maz are built using concrete, we have less to worry about when you compare to those shotgun New Orleans stick built homes. You say you've experienced some big storms here.....we'll you ain't seen nuthin yet. 5 years ago, I remember being down at the Altizor Cafe around midnight. A really big storm hit and Belasario Dominguez was flowing like class 3 rapids in a river. It would have been great for kayaking. There is a reason for those 20 inch curbs!

kirkswig

Aug 31, 2005, 7:37 PM

Post #8 of 10 (2271 views)

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Re: [Esteban] Thinking about the dangers of Mazatlan?

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Yeah you know now that you mention it my source for this was some guy sitting across the table from me in a bar. I bought into it because I have seen sections of town that get really easily flooded after a heavy rain.

But you're right, if there aren't any pumps, then how does the water ever leave?

And hey! Isn't this supposed to be in the Maz forum? Or did our new neighbors from Tijuana send you packing? :)

To boldly go where no wig has gone before.

kirkswig

Aug 31, 2005, 10:07 PM

Post #9 of 10 (2248 views)

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Re: [kirkswig] Thinking about the dangers of Mazatlan?

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Oh wait, this is the Maz forum.

Ermm, am I still in the bar?

Oh boy.

To boldly go where no wig has gone before.

Marlene / Moderator

Sep 1, 2005, 6:47 AM

Post #10 of 10 (2234 views)

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Re: [kirkswig] Thinking about the dangers of Mazatlan?

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Glad to see you enjoying Mazatlan so much! By the way, you could be on hurricane watch for us from your perch up there on the hill.