2 killed, 3 missing as Hurricane Newton hits Mexico

By Nancy Caouette

MEXICO CITY (AA) – Two people were killed and three others are missing after Hurricane Newton blasted the popular tourist destination region of Baja California in northwestern Mexico, authorities said Wednesday.

Baja California Gov. Carlos Mendoza said the deceased and missing were not citizens of the state and are believed to be crew members of a fishing boat that was destroyed by the storm that battered the coast line late Tuesday.

“We respect everyone, but the fishermen made their decisions despite the conditions and warnings”, Mendoza told reporters. “There is no dead in Baja California. Those don't count as they are not residents,” he added as he touted what he called a strong culture of prevention in the state that helped save lives.

The captain of the La Paz port, Jose Luis Rios, told reporters that two bodies were found on a beach.

The category 1 hurricane registered wind speeds of 150 kilometers per hour (90 miles per hour) while approaching the U.S. state of California on Wednesday morning.

It first hit the famous resort of Cabo San Lucas, dumping heavy rain and damaging homes, hotels and shops.

Authorities reported that power and telephone lines were cut.

“According to the latest reports, Newton has only caused minor damage to infrastructure,” Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto said via Twitter on Tuesday.

Newton weakened Tuesday night as it shifted to the north, along the Baja California peninsula.

Mexican authorities warn that the storm could gain strength Wednesday and make a second landfall in northern Mexico.