Islamabad, 11 October, 2026 (Ghufran): Hurricane Simon has intensified into a powerful Category 4 storm off Mexico’s Pacific coast, threatening destructive winds, heavy rainfall, storm surges and life-threatening flooding. The US National Hurricane Center (NHC) reported that Simon was located about 185 kilometres south-southwest of Manzanillo on Saturday, with maximum sustained winds of 240 kilometres per hour. The storm is expected to approach Mexico’s west-central coast late Saturday or early Sunday. Authorities have issued hurricane warnings for coastal areas south of Puerto Vallarta, including Manzanillo, while a tropical storm watch remains in effect farther south toward Lazaro Cardenas. Residents have been urged to complete emergency preparations to protect lives and property. Authorities have closed beaches, raised warning flags, deployed emergency personnel and begun precautionary evacuations in flood-prone areas. The NHC warned that parts of southwestern Mexico could receive 25 to 51 centimetres of rainfall, with isolated totals reaching 76 centimetres in Michoacan, Colima and Jalisco. The heavy rains could trigger severe flooding and landslides, particularly in mountainous regions. Officials also warned of dangerous coastal waves and storm surges as Simon approaches land. Mexican authorities have urged residents to follow safety instructions and remain away from vulnerable coastal areas.