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Dozens Dead as Twin Storms Strike Mexico


Stranded tourists salvaged belongings from submerged cars in the Mexican beach resort of Acapulco which had become a floodplain on Tuesday after some of the worst storm damage in decades killed more than 50 people across the country, Sept. 17, 2013.
Stranded tourists salvaged belongings from submerged cars in the Mexican beach resort of Acapulco which had become a floodplain on Tuesday after some of the worst storm damage in decades killed more than 50 people across the country, Sept. 17, 2013.
The death toll in Mexico has reached 47 after twin storms battered the west and east coasts at the same time.

Tropical Storm Manuel left as many as 40,000 tourists stranded in the Pacific coast resort of Acapulco. Normal access to the city has been cut off by landslides and flooded streets.

The Mexican army and commercial airlines joined to airlift tourists out of the city. Floodwaters in hotels and airport terminals are reported to be waist-high.

Officials say the storm caused nearly $400 million in damage.

Meanwhile, Hurricane Ingrid struck Mexico's Gulf Coast with high winds and torrential rains. Helicopters were used to carry residents to safety. The state-run oil company Pemex evacuated three oil platforms and halted drilling at some wells.

Forecasters have downgraded Manuel to a Tropical Depression. But they say they expect it to strengthen back into a tropical storm Wednesday as it moves back out to sea towards the Baja California peninsula.

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