Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 09:00 - 17:30 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
19 September 2013 09:10
Hundreds of stranded tourists gather around a Mexican Air Force jet as they wait to be evacuated at the air base near Acapulco (AP)
British tourists in storm-hit Mexico have been left stranded as flooding forced roads to close and a number of flights to be cancelled.
Tropical Storm Manuel further caused more than 13 landslides to hit the area, restricting road transport access to the main route into or out of Acapulco for at least the next two days.
With some holidaymakers trapped in their hotels in the popular seaside resort, up to 40,000 people headed to a nearby military base to catch one of a dozen flights ferrying tourists to Mexico City.
At the international airport, priority was being given to ticket-holders, the elderly and families with children on one of the two flights still running each hour.
According to military officials, two passenger planes were in service, with a few hundred able to board one of five helicopters or seven cargo planes drafted in to aid the stricken passengers.
Tourists hoping to enjoy a sunny beach break were left disappointed by the torrential weather, with the incident reinforcing the importance of comprehensive travel insurance for anyone planning a trip overseas.
David Jefferson Gled, 28, from Bristol, said: "It's probably one of the worst holidays I've ever been on. It wasn't really a holiday, more of an incarceration."
With thousands hoping to board an evacuation flight from the military base, but only 700 flown out to Mexico City, many were left queuing on the runway or in the quarter-mile-long line of traffic approaching the site.
More than 800,000 residents in the area could have to wait two days before relief supplies and food is brought into the city, federal officials revealed.
City officials said about 23,000 homes, mostly on Acapulco's outskirts, were without electricity and water.
20 July 2017
A report has criticised survival rates in the UK for a number of cancers.
[more...]
19 July 2017
A leading expert in health inequality has called for 'urgent investigation' after increases in life expectancy stalled in recent years.
18 July 2017
People following a so-called Mediterranean diet rich in oily fish, fresh vegetables and nuts have a lower risk of suffering dementia.
15 July 2017
If you often put in extra hours at work you may want to think again.
14 July 2017
Researchers have highlighted a link between tall men and aggressive cases of prostate cancer.
13 July 2017
More than three-quarters of long-term carers feel stressed by their role, according to a new report.
12 July 2017
Want to live a longer life? Try drinking more coffee - so say researchers.
11 July 2017
More people are diagnosed with cancer than those who are getting married each year, new research suggests.
08 July 2017
Heading off on holiday this summer? Don't forget your sunnies.
07 July 2017
Startling new figures have underlined the dementia challenge facing the country.
06 July 2017
When it comes to embarking on a new life or buying a holiday home in the sun, Spain is king among Brits.
05 July 2017
Scientists have made a major breakthrough in cancer treatment.