Journalist Describes 'El Mencho' Aftermath and Return to Normalcy in Mexico

Situation in Puerto Vallarta

• 💡 The situation in Puerto Vallarta is slowly improving after the aftermath of events related to 'El Mencho'.
• ⚠️ Roads are being cleared, and attempts are being made to allow taxis, buses, and Ubers to operate, though logistical challenges remain due to cartel activity.
• 🔥 Fires have stopped, and smoke has dissipated, a stark contrast to the previous day's scene of smoldering cars and an empty city.

Cartel Presence and Tactics

• 🧐 Distinguishing between military and cartel members is difficult, as cartel members possess tanks and have previously used rocket launchers against military helicopters.
• 🚨 The cartel's actions demonstrate they are serious and dangerous, not to be underestimated.

Impact on Tourists and Residents

• ✈️ Many tourists and residents are stranded, with flights cancelled, leading to extended stays and difficulties in rebooking.
• 😱 A harrowing incident involved cartel members pulling over a taxi, killing the driver, and setting the car on fire with the passengers' luggage, including passports.
• 🏠 The US government has issued a shelter-in-place warning for many parts of Mexico, not just Puerto Vallarta.

Uncertainty and Future Outlook

• 🤔 It remains uncertain whether the current calm is temporary or if further cartel activity will resume.
• ⏳ Rebooking flights and extending hotel stays has been a nightmare, with no clear indication of when normal travel will resume.
• 🗺️ The backlog of delayed flights means many are unsure when they will be able to return home, with potential delays lasting days or even a week.