As national outlets continue to report the rising death toll caused by cartel violence in Mexico, the danger is impacting Oregonians as well.
Shu-ling Garver, a Beaverton woman who is currently staying in her home in Puerto Vallarta, says she woke up Sunday morning to see billowing smoke rising from the city and eventually, shelter-in-place orders.
The Mexican army on Sunday killed the leader of Mexico’s most powerful cartel – the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. At least 73 people died in Mexico’s attempt to capture Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, also known as “El Mencho,” according to officials.
READ MORE | At least 73 people died in attempt to capture Mexican cartel leader, its violent aftermath
Garver says she saw burned vehicles as the incident unfolded. She says some people were unable to get groceries and medicine.
“We don’t know how long this is going to be food shortage. They’ve been starving, like a lot of them here now. But in overall, I think it’s a very safe place,” said Garver.
That’s not all.
“A friend of mine, she was driving down the beach. She didn’t know what’s happening either and then saw somebody died on the road and then she saw the gunman pointing gun at her. She said she was so scared. She just backed away. Fortunately, she was able to leave and she’s alive to tell the story after that,” said Garver.
The fallout from the military action impacted some flights out of the city, including some scheduled to arrive at the Portland International Airport.
As of 12:45, three flights from Mexico to PDX are expected to arrive on time – Alaska Air flights from Puerto Vallarta and Los Cabos arriving at 8:10 p.m. and a Volaris flight from Guadalajara arriving at 8:55 p.m.
READ MORE | Alaska Airlines, Volaris cancel Portland routes amid unrest in western Mexico
Garver said she plans to stick with her original travel plan of returning home in April, despite currently being told to shelter in place.
We asked Garver why it’s important for people to know what’s going on, and she responded in part, ” It could happen anytime again. We have no prediction of what’s going to happen next. And it could have more revenge just happening, or just from now on it’s done and peaceful. But people need to be aware of it so we’ll be prepared if they want to come here. “
This story will be updated with the story of another Oregonian. Her story is about her concerns for her family that is in the area.
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