Mexico scrambles to clear debris as storm Agatha weakens along southern coast

Palm trees sway in the wind as Hurricane Agatha pounds the southern coast of Mexico, in Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca state, Mexico, May 30, 2022. REUTERS/Jose de Jesus Cortes

PUERTO ESCONDIDO, Mexico (Reuters) - Authorities worked overnight into Tuesday to clear highways blocked by mudslides along Mexico's southern coast as Tropical Storm Agatha barrelled down on the country, bringing torrential rains and strong winds.

Agatha made landfall as a Category 2 hurricane on Monday afternoon, touching down with 105 miles per hour winds (169 kilometres per hour) near the beach town of Puerto Angel on the Pacific coast.