At least two people have died in Mexico following the devastating impact of Hurricane Simon and former tropical storm Rachel, which have brought torrential rains and catastrophic flooding to communities along the Pacific coast. The storms have caused widespread damage, with officials warning that the death toll could rise.

Guerrero Governor Evelyn Salgado confirmed on Monday that a 71-year-old man, identified as Albino Moreno Jimenez, died in her state when a retaining wall collapsed under the intense precipitation associated with Hurricane Simon. The man was reportedly feeding his animals on the western outskirts of Chilpancingo when the incident occurred.

Later the same day, a second death was announced in the state of Baja California. Governor Marina del Pilar reported that a young girl succumbed to the effects of the remnants of what was once Hurricane Rachel. This former Category 3 storm peaked in early October. In Baja California, at least 10 people remain missing, with eight reported in the city of Ensenada and two in the fishing town of San Felipe.

Preliminary figures suggest the death toll and number of missing may be higher. Local newspaper La Jornada reported two deaths in Baja California and 11 missing individuals. The Spanish newspaper El Pais also reported the death of a cliff diver, Juan Patines, in Mazatlan, Sinaloa, after he jumped into the sea on Saturday night, with heavy surf hampering rescue efforts.

Hurricane Simon, which had been a powerful Category 4 storm, had weakened to a Category 2 by Monday morning. Its maximum sustained winds were reported at around 155 km/h (100 mph). The storm's center was located approximately 115 km west-southwest of Cabo Corrientes, Jalisco, and was drifting westward slowly. Forecasters predict Simon could make landfall later in the week, potentially on Thursday or Friday. Hurricane warnings remain in effect for western Mexico.

Mexico's Pacific coast is particularly vulnerable to landslides and dangerous surf conditions due to these storms. Officials are urging residents to exercise extreme caution as they assess the devastation caused by downed trees, high winds, and floodwaters.

The remnants of Rachel have moved northward, impacting southern California in the southwestern United States. The ongoing atmospheric conditions highlight the intensity of the Pacific hurricane season, which has seen record-breaking storms impacting regions from Hawaii to Mexico.

Authorities are continuing search and rescue operations and assessing the full extent of the damage. The unpredictable nature of these powerful weather systems means that further impacts and potential casualties remain a concern as Simon continues its slow westward drift.