View source for Hurricane Liza

{{Short description|Category 4 Pacific hurricane in 1976}}
{{Other storms|List of storms named Liza|the 1976 Pacific hurricane}}
{{Good article}}
{{Infobox weather event
| image = Hurricane Liza (1976) Colored.jpg
| caption = Hurricane Liza at peak intensity on September 30.
| formed = September 25, 1976
| dissipated = October 2, 1976
}}{{Infobox weather event/NWS
| winds = 120
| pressure = 948
}}{{Infobox weather event/Effects
| year = 1976
| fatalities = 1,263
| damage = 100300000
| areas = {{hlist|[[Baja California Sur]]|[[Sinaloa]]|[[Sonora]]|[[New Mexico]]|Texas}}
| refs = 
}}{{Infobox weather event/Footer
| season = [[1976 Pacific hurricane season]]
}}
'''Hurricane Liza''' caused the worst [[natural disaster]] in the [[history of Mexico|history of Baja California Sur]]. The seventeenth [[tropical cyclone]], thirteenth [[tropical cyclone naming|named storm]], and eighth hurricane of the [[1976 Pacific hurricane season]], Liza developed from an area of disturbed weather southwest of the Mexican coast on September&nbsp;25. Slowly intensifying, the system attained tropical storm strength the following day. In favorable conditions, Liza continued to intensify, reaching hurricane strength on September&nbsp;28 after developing an [[eye (cyclone)|eye]]. The hurricane peaked in intensity as a Category&nbsp;4 hurricane on the [[Saffir–Simpson hurricane scale]] on September&nbsp;30, with winds of {{convert|140|mph|km/h|abbr=on|round=5}} and a minimum [[barometric pressure]] of {{convert|948|mbar|hPa inHg|abbr=on}}. Liza weakened as it moved northward into the [[Gulf of California]]. Shortly thereafter, the hurricane made its second [[landfall (meteorology)|landfall]] north of [[Los Mochis, Sinaloa]], with winds of {{convert|115|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}, making it one of 17 storms to make landfall as major hurricanes in the basin. Inland, the hurricane rapidly weakened and dissipated on October&nbsp;2.

Prior to the arrival of Liza, residents along the Gulf of California coastline were evacuated, although some refused to leave their homes. Radio stations warned all nearby ships to remain at harbor. Liza brought heavy rainfall to the area, which caused significant [[flash flooding]]. Following a dam burst by the El Cajoncito Creek along the outskirts of [[La Paz, Baja California Sur|La Paz]], hundreds of people were swept away by flood waters. In La Paz, the capital of the state, 412&nbsp;people died and 20,000&nbsp;were left homeless. Nearly one third of the homes in the town were destroyed. Throughout the state, a variety of death tolls were reported, but officials estimated that 1,000&nbsp;people had perished. In the states of [[Sinaloa]] and [[Sonora]], Liza caused moderate damage and left 30,000&nbsp;to&nbsp;54,000 homeless, along with 155&nbsp;more casualties. Along the Gulf of California, 108&nbsp;people were presumed dead after 12 boats were lost. The remnants of the storm later affected the [[United States]], bringing moderate rainfall

In the aftermath of the storm, rescue workers spent days digging through mud to find victims of the hurricane until the search was disbanded on October&nbsp;6. The government received criticism for the tragedy, citing that the dam that broke had been poorly built. Overall, at least 1,263&nbsp;fatalities and $100&nbsp;million (1976&nbsp;[[United States dollar|USD]]) in damage are attributed to the hurricane, making it one of the deadliest tropical cyclones on record in the [[List of Pacific hurricanes|eastern Pacific]], as well as one of the few [[Pacific hurricane]]s to kill more than 1,000&nbsp;people.

==Meteorological history==
{{storm path|Liza 1976 Path.png|colors=new}}
Hurricane Liza originated from a very large area of intense thunderstorms that developed about {{convert|400|mi|km|abbr=on|round=5}} southwest of the Mexican coast on September&nbsp;25. Later that day, [[satellite imagery]] indicated that the system had developed a cyclonic circulation. It is estimated that a tropical depression developed at 1800&nbsp;[[UTC]] on September&nbsp;25, centered about {{convert|485|mi|km|abbr=on|round=5}} east-northeast of [[Zihuatanejo]], [[Guerrero]]. The depression gradually intensified as it tracked west-northwestward, and became Tropical Storm Liza at 1800&nbsp;UTC on the following day. Thereafter, Liza turned to the north at {{convert|7|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} and began to strengthen while moving through [[sea surface temperatures]] of {{convert|85|F|C|abbr=on}}. Within 48&nbsp;hours of the storm's formation, the [[Eastern Pacific Hurricane Center]] (EPHC) reported winds of {{convert|65|mph|km/h|round=5|abbr=on}}, and Liza intensified into a hurricane early on September&nbsp;28.<ref name="mwr">{{cite journal|title=Eastern North Pacific Tropical Cyclones of 1976|author=Emil B. Gunther|journal=Monthly Weather Review|date=April 1977|volume=105|issue=4|page=508|publisher=[[Eastern Pacific Hurricane Center]]|doi=10.1175/1520-0493(1977)105<0508:EPTCO>2.0.CO;2|bibcode = 1977MWRv..105..508G |issn=1520-0493|doi-access=free}}</ref>{{EPAC hurricane best track}} Around this time, the hurricane had developed an [[eye (cyclone)|eye]] that was {{convert|17|mi|km|abbr=on}} in diameter, though it was initially not visible on satellite imagery. Operationally, however, Liza was not upgraded to a hurricane until 18&nbsp;hours later.<ref name="mwr"/>

During the afternoon of September&nbsp;28, a [[Hurricane Hunter]]s aircraft made its first flight into Liza, recording a minimum barometric pressure of {{convert|971|mbar|inHg|abbr=on}}; despite the low pressure, maximum sustained winds of just {{convert|45|mph|km/h|abbr=on|round=5}} were reported. Hours later, a second flight into the hurricane revealed winds of {{convert|75|mph|km/h|abbr=on|round=5}} and slightly lower pressures. Liza continued to intensify, attaining winds of {{convert|80|mph|km/h|round=5|abbr=on}} by early September&nbsp;29.<ref name="mwr"/> Later that morning, the hurricane reached Category 2&nbsp;intensity on the [[Saffir-Simpson hurricane wind scale|Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale]] (SSHWS).{{EPAC hurricane best track}} By midday, Hurricane Hunters recorded a pressure of {{convert|948|mb|inHg|abbr=on}} as the eye became visible on infrared satellite imagery,<ref name="mwr"/> prompting the EPHC to upgrade Liza to a major hurricane, a Category&nbsp;3 or higher on the SSHWS.<ref name="mwr"/>

Liza continued to [[Rapid deepening|rapidly intensify]] and attained winds of {{convert|140|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} late on September&nbsp;29, making it a mid-level Category&nbsp;4 hurricane.{{EPAC hurricane best track}} Though Liza encountered warm sea surface temperatures of {{convert|88|F|C|abbr=on}}, it did not strengthen further the following day. Late on September&nbsp;30, Liza brushed the [[Baja California Peninsula]], passing about {{convert|65|mi|km|round=5|abbr=on}} east of [[Cabo San Lucas]]<ref name="mwr"/> while still at peak intensity.{{EPAC hurricane best track}} Early on October&nbsp;1, Liza entered the Gulf of California exactly {{convert|52|mi|km|abbr=on|0}} east of [[La Paz, Baja California Sur]]. By 1300 UTC that day, Liza made landfall about {{convert|50|mi|km|abbr=on|round=5}} north of [[Los Mochis, Sinaloa]], with winds of {{convert|115|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}, still a Category 3 storm.<ref name="mwr" /> Operationally, however, Hurricane Liza was estimated to have made [[landfall (meteorology)|landfall]] with winds of {{convert|100|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}<ref name=LLBC /> and gusts up to {{convert|150|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}.<ref name=SIEW>{{cite news|title=Storms in East, West|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=UjtcAAAAIBAJ&pg=7125,9087&dq=hurricane+liza&hl=en|access-date=March 1, 2013|newspaper=[[Merced Sun-Star]]|date=October 1, 1976|agency=Associated Press|page=2}}{{Dead link|date=August 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> The storm continued quickly inland while weakening, dissipating the following day.<ref name="mwr"/> The remnants of Hurricane Liza later entered the [[United States]] near [[El Paso, Texas]].<ref name=LLBOM>{{cite news|title=Liza Leaves Blanket Of Mud|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1346&dat=19761003&id=5u4vAAAAIBAJ&pg=2898,372981|access-date=April 12, 2013|newspaper=[[Lakeland Ledger]]|date=October 3, 1976|agency=Associated Press|page=1}}</ref>

==Preparations==
Prior to the arrival of the hurricane, many residents in [[shanty town]]s failed to hear [[tropical cyclone warnings and watches]].<ref name=LLBC>{{cite news|title="Liza" Lashes Baja California|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=XFlQAAAAIBAJ&pg=3500,244851&dq=hurricane+liza+warnings&hl=en|access-date=March 1, 2013|newspaper=[[The Evening Independent]]|date=October 2, 1976|agency=[[Associated Press]]|page=2}}</ref> Some did hear the warnings, but they did not believe them as the same warning had been issued several weeks before and nothing had happened.<ref name=RSTSLP /> In addition, city officials warned the residents living near the dam to take shelter in public buildings though most refused to leave.<ref name=LWHTPH>{{cite news|title=Liza's winds hit the poorest hardest|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=5kEyAAAAIBAJ&pg=6866,893255&dq=hurricane+liza+baja-california+-lisa-allen-andrew&hl=en|access-date=March 2, 2013|newspaper=Lawrence-Journal World|date=October 6, 1976|agency=Associated Press|page=11}}</ref> The government ignored all requests to shore up an [[earthen dam]], as they did not believe Liza would pose a significant threat of damage to the Baja California Peninsula.<ref name=MCDAS /> Along the Gulf Coast, troops evacuated residents, and radio stations warned all nearby ships to remain at harbor.<ref name=HHBOD /> During the afternoon of September&nbsp;29, the education department suspended classes as it began to rain.<ref name=LADLTTFYA>{{cite web|title=Liza came a day like today, 35 years ago|url=http://www.oem.com.mx/elsudcaliforniano/notas/n2247934.htm|publisher=Capella University|access-date=March 3, 2013|language=es|date=September 30, 2011|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304082310/http://www.oem.com.mx/elsudcaliforniano/notas/n2247934.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref>

As the remnants of Liza moved across the western United States, [[National Weather Service]] posted [[flash flood watch]]es for much of deserts of California, southern [[Utah]], and a portion of [[Colorado]]. For the higher areas of Colorado, a [[winter storm watch|snow watch]] was in effect.<ref name=SIW>{{cite news|title=Storms in West|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=GxtgAAAAIBAJ&pg=5002,180409&dq=hurricane+liza+baja-california+-lisa-allen-andrew&hl=en|access-date=March 1, 2013|newspaper=The Evening News|date=October 2, 1976|agency=Associated Press|page=2}}</ref> In addition, motorists were warned of very hazards driving conditions within {{convert|100|mi|km|abbr=on|round=5}} of the border.<ref name=TKIM />

==Impact==
In all, Liza brought a total of $100&nbsp;million in damage<ref name=EMDAT>{{cite web|title=EM-DAT: The OFDA/CRED International Disaster Database |url=http://www.emdat.be/disaster-list |publisher=Université Catholique de Louvain |access-date=March 1, 2013 |location=Brussels, Belgium |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100923101618/http://www.emdat.be/disaster-list |archive-date=September 23, 2010}}</ref> in [[Baja California Sur]], which receives catastrophic flooding from hurricanes every 50&nbsp;years or so.<ref>{{cite web |title=Hurricanes in Baja California and Implications of sediment in the Gulf of California|url=http://www.ugm.org.mx/publicaciones/geos/pdf/geos04-1/Martinez-Gutierrezetal.pdf|access-date=March 3, 2013|pages=57–64|language=es|year=2004|volume=24}}</ref> The hurricane was considered the worst [[natural disaster]] in the history of the peninsula,<ref name=THDNCJGML>{{cite news|title=The help does not come, just give me long|url=http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/estados/62860.html|access-date=March 3, 2013|newspaper=[[El Universal (Mexico City)|El Universal]]|date=October 26, 2006|language=es}}</ref> which at the time had a population of 130,000.<ref>{{cite book|title=Epidemiology of Natural Disasters|url=https://archive.org/details/epidemiologyofna0000seam|url-access=registration|year=1984|author1=John Seaman |author2=Sally Leivesley |author3=C. Hogg |isbn=9783805537797 }}</ref> It was also at the time considered the worst hurricane to affect the entire country in the 20th century.<ref name=TGALIFRMT />

===Baja California Sur===
[[File:Liza 1976 rainfall.gif|thumb|Rainfall totals associated with Liza]]
Hurricane Liza caused extensive damage and loss of life in the [[Mexican state]] of [[Baja California Sur]].<ref name=mwr /> Although the [[Hydrometeorological Prediction Center]] (HPC) suggests that Liza brought only light to moderate rains to the area, peaking at around {{convert|1|in|mm|abbr=on}},<ref name=HPC>{{cite web|url=http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/liza1976.html|publisher=[[Hydrometeorological Prediction Center]]|format=GIF|title=Hurricane Liza – September 30–October 3, 1976|author=Roth, David M|access-date=March 1, 2013}}</ref> newspaper accounts claim that {{convert|11.8|in|mm|abbr=on}} fell (more than a year's worth of rainfall) in some areas in a mere 3 hours.<ref name=LWHTPH /> Moreover, {{convert|22|in|mm|abbr=on|0}} was measured in El Triunfo and San Antonio, along the southern portion of the peninsula.<ref name=ADBCS>{{cite web|title=Repore: Ciclones tropicales Plan de Accion ante el cambio climatico del e stado de Baja California Sur |page=18 |url=http://spyde.bcs.gob.mx/cgds/files/proyectos/PEACC/Reporte_Final_CICLONES_TROPICALES_PEACC-BCS.pdf|access-date=June 11, 2013|publisher=Universidad Autónoma de Baja California Sur}}</ref> In [[La Paz, Baja California Sur]], a storm surge of {{convert|8|ft|m|abbr=on}} was reported.<ref name=TFSI>{{cite news|last=Yates|first=Ronald|title=The Files Swarm In|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=XVlQAAAAIBAJ&pg=5648,490611&dq=hurricane+liza+baja-california+-lisa-allen-andrew&hl=en|access-date=March 2, 2013|newspaper=The Evening Independent|date=October 4, 1976|agency=[[The Chicago Tribune]]|page=2}}</ref>

The [[El Cajoncito Creek]] along the extreme southeast portion of the state grew into a raging torrent. During night of October&nbsp;1, waters burst a three-year-old and {{convert|30|ft|m|abbr=on}} [[dike (construction)|dike]].<ref name=LLBC /><ref name=MARE>{{cite news|title=Mexico abandons recovery efforts|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=acRiAAAAIBAJ&pg=3731,3160244&dq=hurricane+liza+baja-california+-lisa-allen-andrew&hl=en|access-date=March 2, 2013|newspaper=St. Joseph Gazette|date=October 6, 1976|agency=United Press International|page=9}}</ref> A {{convert|5|ft|m|abbr=on}} wall of water<ref name=MHTTSF /> spilled over a small [[shanty town]] of&nbsp;10,000 inhabitantes, thousands of whom lived in cardboard [[shack]]s. Some shacks were swept {{convert|6|mi|km|abbr=on}} away from their initial location.<ref name=LLBC /> The ensuing mudslide is regarded as the worst in the [[history of Mexico]].<ref name=GRP>{{cite book|title=Landslides: Global Risk Preparedness|year=2013|publisher=Springler Heidelberg Cordrecht|page=302|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PrNotn7K3mIC&q=hurricane+%22liza%22+la+paz&pg=PA302|author1=I. Alcantra-Ayla|author2=R.J. Garnica |isbn=9783642220876|editor=Badaoui Kyōji Sassa. Sálvano Rouhban. Bin Briceñ|access-date=April 13, 2013}}</ref> Most of the deaths from the hurricane were due to the dam failure;<ref name=STSR /> streets also received flooding from the dam burst.<ref name=SMUUW>{{cite news|title=Storm Mop-Up Under Way|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=8htKAAAAIBAJ&pg=4790,205917&dq=hurricane+liza+baja-california+-lisa-allen-andrew&hl=en|access-date=March 2, 2013|newspaper=The Press-Courier|date=October 3, 1976|agency=Associated Press|page=1}}</ref>

Initially, government officials denied that the dam was poorly built;<ref name=LLBC /> many politicians and an engineer for the nation's water company blamed the dam's poor construction as the source of the extreme death toll.<ref name=SDAWWA>{{cite news|title=Suddenly, doors and windows were wrenched away|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ldsvAAAAIBAJ&pg=3618,3013694&dq=hurricane+liza+baja-california+-lisa-allen-andrew&hl=en|access-date=March 2, 2013|newspaper=[[St. Petersburg Times]]|date=October 4, 1976|agency=United Press International|page=3}}</ref> Prior to the arrival of the storm, many residents had repeatedly requested that a stone wall be built to protect their homes. After the storm, they said that the deaths could have been prevented.<ref name=RSTSLP>{{cite news|title=Relief Supplies to Stricken La Paz|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=jMERAQAAMAAJ&q=In+La+Paz+itself,+the+most+pressing+needs+were+still+water,+food+and+shelter+as+the+city+remained+without+electricity+ore|access-date=April 12, 2013|newspaper=New York Times|author=Patt Morrison|agency=News Monitoring Service|year=1976}}</ref> According to one account, two [[master planned communities]] were situated in the middle of the drainage and were thus deluged by the storm.<ref name=AAITIBC>{{cite book|title=Almost an Islands: Travels in Baja California|year=1988|publisher=[[University of Arizona]] Press|page=79|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=BQBggG6jOnAC&q=hurricane+%22liza%22+la+paz&pg=PA79|author=Berger|isbn=9780816519026|access-date=April 12, 2013}}</ref> The water department head took the blame for the construction, but also said that the disaster was a natural phenomenon.<ref name=BSDCFHL />

"Dozens" of people were also swept away into the [[Gulf of California]] when Hurricane Liza destroyed a {{convert|600|ft|m|abbr=on|round=5}} [[sea wall]], which, ironically, had been built to prevent flooding from such storms.<ref name=HILPOD /> Nine children got swept under mud.<ref name=TKIM /> The highway that connected [[Baja California]] with [[California]] was also destroyed in many places,<ref name=HILPOD>{{cite news|title=Hurricane is Leaving Path of Destruction|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=yjZfAAAAIBAJ&pg=5315,1424215&dq=hurricane+liza+baja-california+-lisa-allen-andrew&hl=en|access-date=March 2, 2013|newspaper=The Bonham Daily Favorite|date=October 3, 1976|agency=United Press International|page=4}}</ref> more than originally anticipated. In fact, there were holes in the asphalt pavement. Bridges up to {{convert|600|ft|m|abbr=on|round=5}} long were twisted.<ref name=STSR />

Due to flooding, troops evacuated dozens of communities along the Gulf coast. Many desert communities throughout the state were left without any telephone or electrical service;<ref name=MCDAS>{{cite news|title=Mexico Count Dead After Storm|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=bQw0AAAAIBAJ&pg=2729,1172341&dq=hurricane+liza+baja-california+-lisa-allen-andrew&hl=en|access-date=March 2, 2013|newspaper=[[Bangor Daily News]]|date=October 4, 1976|agency=Associated Press|page=5}}</ref> wood, tarpaper, and cardboard were all scattered.<ref name=HHBOD /> Dozens of scores of [[hut (dwelling)|hut]]s were destroyed. Many humans were swept into the gulf.<ref name=AHL>{{cite news|title=As Hurricane Liza|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=4kBBAAAAIBAJ&pg=5907,56093&dq=hurricane+liza+damage+-allen+-gustav&hl=en|access-date=April 13, 2013|newspaper=Daily News|date=October 2, 1976}}</ref> Sixteen people died inside the remains of a building.<ref name=STSR>{{cite news|title=Storm Toll Still Rising|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=MpYtAAAAIBAJ&pg=1728,2564587&dq=hurricane+liza+baja-california+-lisa-allen-andrew&hl=en|access-date=March 2, 2013|newspaper=Reading Eagle|date=October 5, 1976|agency=Associated Press|page=2}}</ref> Moreover, the Piojillo river overflowed its banks, killing many people and resulting in considerable damage.<ref name=BCSCP>{{cite web |title=Serie Fascicules |page=22 |url=http://www.proteccioncivil.gob.mx/work/models/ProteccionCivil/Resource/372/1/images/fasciculo_inundaciones.pdf|year=2004|publisher=Baja California Sur Civil Protection |access-date=June 11, 2013}}</ref> Elsewhere, destruction was reported in [[San Jose del Cabo]], [[Cabo San Lucas]], San Lucas, and Puntas Arena;<ref name=TKIM /> Pichilinague also received moderate damage. However, there are no known reports of any casualties in all four of those places.<ref name=KDM>{{cite news|title=Area warned of Hurricane Liza|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=932&dat=19761001&id=E0RTAAAAIBAJ&pg=4227,3198|access-date=April 12, 2013|newspaper=Kingman Daily Miner|date=October 1, 1976|agency=Associated Press|page=1}}</ref> Hurricane Liza was also one of six hurricane to directly impact Los Cabos.<ref name=RD1>{{cite web |last=Eleonora Romero Vadillo|title=Modelican Numerica de Ondas de Tormenta en La Bahia De La Paz y Caob San Lucas, Baja California Sur |year=2003 |page=4 |url=http://www.repositoriodigital.ipn.mx/bitstream/handle/123456789/15368/romerov2.pdf?sequence=1|access-date=June 11, 2013|format=PDF|publisher=Respitor Digital|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303235800/http://www.repositoriodigital.ipn.mx/bitstream/handle/123456789/15368/romerov2.pdf?sequence=1|archive-date=March 3, 2016}}</ref>

South of La Paz, communications and telephone services were cut off to 13 smaller communities. A highway that extends as far south as Cabo San Lucas was blocked. Further north, a highway that links La Paz to places along the northern part of the peninsula such as [[Mexicali]] were badly damaged in four places. Offshore, officials reported that 75 boats including nine owned by Americans had sunk during the hurricane.<ref name=LLBOM /> Most notably, the ship ''Salvatierra''{{'}}s cabin and most of its upper deck were ripped off while its [[hull (watercraft)|hull]] rolled over. Multiple trucks smashed the ship; however, they were later salvaged.<ref name=GR>{{cite book|title=Golden Results|year=2010|publisher=AuthorHouse|pages=182–183|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=c82HgT1LzakC&q=hurricane+%22liza%22+la+paz&pg=PA182|author=Don Anderson|isbn=9781452080291|access-date=April 12, 2013}}</ref> In addition, an {{convert|88|ft|m|abbr=on}} vessel sunk during the storm, in which the owner had to pay for the damage, but later earned $50,000 settlement.<ref name=BOPPD>{{cite news|title=Boat Owner Pays Pier Damage|newspaper=L.A. Times|date=October 26, 1976|page=2}}</ref> Overall, several ports along the coast were destroyed by the storm.<ref name=ISLA>{{cite book|title=ISLA: Clippings of Latin American political, social and economic news from various English language newspapers|year=1976|edition=13|page=54}}</ref>

In La Paz, a city that at that time had a population of approximately&nbsp;85,000, some 20,000&nbsp;were left homeless<ref name=LLBC /> (nearly one third of the city's population),<ref name=TGALIFRMT>{{cite news|title=Troops guard against looters in flood-ravaged Mexican town|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=V1AxAAAAIBAJ&pg=2542,1392627&dq=hurricane+liza+baja-california+-lisa-allen-andrew&hl=en|access-date=March 2, 2013|newspaper=The Montreal Gazette|date=October 5, 1976|agency=Reuters|page=45}}</ref> and an additional 4,000&nbsp;were injured.<ref name=KAFKBL /> It is estimated that one out of five homes were destroyed in the city.<ref name=LLBOM /> Widespread flooding was reported throughout the city<ref name=KAFKBL>{{cite news|title=1000 are feared killed by Liza|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=uvZAAAAAIBAJ&pg=5312,439074&dq=hurricane+liza+baja-california+-lisa-allen-andrew&hl=en|access-date=March 1, 2013|newspaper=The Evening Independent|date=October 2, 1976|page=9}}</ref> with mud filling up the first floor of many houses.<ref name=HV>{{cite news|title=Hurricane Victim|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=xSQqAAAAIBAJ&pg=1892,93987&dq=hurricane+liza+baja-california+-lisa-allen-andrew&hl=en|access-date=March 2, 2013|newspaper=[[Park City Daily News]]|date=October 3, 1976|agency=Associated Press Wirephoto|page=2}}</ref> This flash flooding led to many homes and [[automobile]]s being destroyed.<ref name=LLBC /> Several roofs fell off of homes and landed deep in the mud.<ref name=LVBIM>{{cite news|title=Liza's Victims Buried in Mud|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=h3woAAAAIBAJ&pg=2877,531980&dq=hurricane+liza+baja-california+-lisa-allen-andrew&hl=en|access-date=March 2, 2013|newspaper=Daytona-Beach Morning Journal|date=October 3, 1976|agency=Associated Press|page=11}}</ref> Many roads were blocked due to fallen trees while numerous homes were pushed off their foundation;<ref name=TFSI /> some cars were also abandoned when Hurricane Liza struck.<ref name=HLRM2 /> Some cars were reportedly piled against damaged building and debris.<ref name=HA>{{cite news|title=Hurricane aftermath|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=9qQfAAAAIBAJ&pg=4207,525589&dq=hurricane+liza+damage+-allen+-gustav&hl=en|access-date=April 13, 2013|newspaper=[[Gadsen Times]]|date=October 3, 1976}}</ref> Nine people died when a car was swept away in the floodwaters.<ref name=KDM />

Also, electrical lines and drinking water supplies were cut in La Paz.<ref name=HHBOD>{{cite news|title=630 Die in Mexico as Hurricane Hits, Breaks Open Dam|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=wD5PAAAAIBAJ&pg=6155,5185719&dq=hurricane+liza+baja-california+-lisa-allen-andrew&hl=en|access-date=March 2, 2013|newspaper=[[Toledo Blade]]|date=October 3, 1976|agency=Press|page=1}}</ref> Also, communication lines were extensively damaged. [[La Paz International Airport|La Paz Airport]] received damage during the hurricane; however, by the afternoon of October&nbsp;1, the airport re-opened, thus allowing the military to provide much-needed aid to victims.<ref name=LLBC /> Wood, tarpaper, and cardboard were all scattered throughout La Paz.<ref name=HHBOD /> By October 2, rescue teams had covered 38&nbsp;sq&nbsp;mi (100&nbsp;sq&nbsp;km) to configure the damage. Throughout the city, a total of 412 people had been killed,<ref name=LLBC /> 150 were missing people within the resort city,<ref name=HILPOD /> five of which were later presumed dead.<ref name=MFMFDIF>{{cite news|title=Mexico: 5 members feared dead in flood|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=6M5SAAAAIBAJ&pg=3605,6022190&dq=hurricane+liza+baja-california+-lisa-allen-andrew&hl=en|access-date=3 March 2013|date=October 23, 1976|page=23}}</ref> Overall, nearly a third of the houses in La Paz were leveled.<ref name=BSDCFHL />

A wide variety of death tolls were reported by many different sources.<ref name=MSLC>{{cite news|title=Mexico Speeds Liza Cleanup|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=kR8qAAAAIBAJ&pg=5487,2586757&dq=hurricane+liza+baja-california+-lisa-allen-andrew&hl=en|access-date=March 2, 2013|newspaper=[[The Milwaukee Journal]]|date=October 5, 1976|agency=Associated Press|page=18}}{{Dead link|date=August 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Mexican president [[Luis Echeverria]] as well as the HPC and EPHC claimed that 435&nbsp;people died during the hurricane.<ref name=mwr /><ref name=HPC /><ref name=HLLLOMGAMG>{{cite news|title=Hurricane Liza leaves a legacy of mass graves and mass grief|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=y-1fAAAAIBAJ&pg=2982,1357880&dq=hurricane+liza+baja-california+-lisa-allen-andrew&hl=en|access-date=March 2, 2013|newspaper=[[The Windsor Star]]|date=October 4, 1976|agency=Associated Press|page=36}}</ref> It was initially stated that 630&nbsp;people had died during the storm; however, this total does not include victims discovered by the Mexican army.<ref name=LLBC /> During the afternoon of October 2, the local government had placed the confirmed death toll at 397. Two days later, the ''[[Bangor Daily News]]'' reported that the number of bodies found dead ranged from 400&nbsp;to&nbsp;750.<ref name=MCDAS /> By late October&nbsp;3, Mexican officials and a [[Red Cross]] spokesperson reported that 650&nbsp;bodies had been found.<ref name=BSDCFHL>{{cite news|title=Blame Shoddy Dam Construction for Liza Disaster|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=9QNcAAAAIBAJ&pg=2009,507469&dq=hurricane+liza+baja-california+-lisa-allen-andrew&hl=en|access-date=March 2, 2013|newspaper=[[Times-Union (Warsaw)|Times-Union]]|date=October 4, 1976|agency=United Press International|page=3}}</ref> Meanwhile, a military search operation claimed that the death toll of the hurricane was&nbsp;1,050.<ref name=STSR /> By October&nbsp;6, local officials had abandoned efforts to retrieve additional bodies, citing safety reasons. Even though 650&nbsp;people were confirmed to have died during Hurricane Liza, officials estimated that at least 1,000&nbsp;people died.<ref name=MXGUTTAFSV /> Within a week after Hurricane Liza, some feared 10,000&nbsp;people perished. In addition, some modern estimates suggest that the toll could have been as high as&nbsp;7,000.<ref name=HL>{{cite web|title=Hurricane Liza|url=http://sites.google.com/site/historiabcs/huracan-liza|publisher=History of Baja California Sur|access-date=March 2, 2013|language=es}}</ref>

The Red Cross estimated that 75% of the deaths from the storm were children under 12.<ref name=MSDH>{{cite news|title=Mexico Storm Damage Heavy|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=9-stAAAAIBAJ&pg=2800,169988&dq=hurricane+liza+baja-california+-lisa-allen-andrew&hl=en|access-date=March 2, 2013|newspaper=Rome-News Tribune|date=October 3, 1976|agency=United Press International|page=1}}</ref> At first, most of the bodies found by the army were buried normally<ref name=HLTMROT>{{cite news|title=Hurricane Liza toll may reach 1,000|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2209&dat=19761002&id=RKMrAAAAIBAJ&pg=6630,196132|access-date=March 1, 2013|newspaper=[[The Daily Telegraph]]|date=October 2, 1976|agency=[[Associated Press]]|page=1}}</ref> though due to the high death toll, some were just buried under debris.<ref name=HILPOD /> Some dead bodies were later burned to prevent disease.<ref name=HVWOH>{{cite news|title=Hurricane Victim Weeps Outside Home|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=wD5PAAAAIBAJ&pg=5088,5188484&dq=hurricane+liza+baja-california+-lisa-allen-andrew&hl=en|access-date=March 2, 2013|newspaper=Toledo Blade|date=October 3, 1976|agency=Associated Press|page=1}}</ref><ref name=TPT>{{cite news|title=Hurricane Victims Buried In Mexico|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=aRBGAAAAIBAJ&pg=5917,2939895&dq=hurricane+liza+baja-california+-lisa-allen-andrew&hl=en|access-date=March 2, 2013|newspaper=The Portsmouth Times|date=October 4, 1976|agency=Associated Press|page=5}}</ref> According to preliminary estimates by officials, 40,000&nbsp;people were made homeless and an addition 20,000&nbsp;were injured,<ref name=LLBC /> 126&nbsp;of which were considered significant.<ref name=MCLAHL>{{cite news|title=Mexico counts losses after Hurricane Liza|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=rfpjAAAAIBAJ&pg=5349,1573692&dq=hurricane+liza+baja-california+-lisa-allen-andrew&hl=en|access-date=March 2, 2013|newspaper=[[Sydney Morning Herald]]|date=October 5, 1976|page=3}}</ref> Within another day, the homeless total rose to&nbsp;70,000.<ref name=SMUUW /> Total damage from the hurricane was estimated at $100&nbsp;million (1976&nbsp;USD).<ref name=LOR />

===Sinaloa===
In the state of [[Sinaloa]], heavy rainfall was recorded along the northern portion of the state near the Sonoran border. A peak total of {{convert|4.61|in|mm|abbr=on}} was measured in both Hultes and [[Choix]].<ref name=HPC /> Upon making landfall in the state, Liza became one of six tropical system to making landfall in the state at tropical storm intensity during the 1968-1995 time frame.<ref name=TU>{{cite web|title=Datos Generales Del Proyecto Del Promovente y Del Repsonsable Del Eustudio De Impacto Ambiental|year=2005|access-date=June 11, 2013|page=54|url=http://www.tuinventas.com/attachments/article/2912/EngordaTilapia.pdf|publisher=Tu Universtas}}</ref> Offshore [[Topolobampo, Sinaloa|Topolobampo]], 12 ship boats were reported missing, and the 108 crewman were feared dead.<ref name=NLEIT /> On the mainland, some damage was reported.<ref name=HLRM2>{{cite news|title=Hurricane Liza rips Mexico|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2002&dat=19761002&id=Hw0vAAAAIBAJ&pg=1323,319800|access-date=March 3, 2013|newspaper=Beaver County Times|date=October 2, 1976|agency=United Press International|page=18}}</ref> Some flooding was recorded and at least 1,000 homes were evacuated.<ref name=ISLA /> In [[Los Mochis]] alone, 4,000 people were left without a home. Damage in the city totaled $300,000.<ref name=ASATV>{{cite news|title=Adventists Send Aid to Victims|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=SvdZAAAAIBAJ&pg=2927,4813368&dq=hurricane+liza+damage+-allen+-gustav&hl=en|access-date=April 13, 2013|newspaper=Waycross Journal-Herald|date=October 15, 1976}}</ref>

===Sonora===
Across [[Sonora]], many homes were wrecked due to flooding.<ref name=LLBC /> Light rainfall up to {{convert|1|in|mm|abbr=on}} was recorded along the southeastern region of the state<ref name=HPC /> which led to reports of damage.<ref name=HLRM2 /> In [[Navojoa]], heavy damage was reported. Numerous faculty homes, as well as the school barn and dining hall lost their homes at the College of the Pacific. Damage totaled to $300,000.<ref name=ASATV /> Along the southern portion of the state, in [[Yavaros]], 155&nbsp;people died, mostly adults. Roughly 80%&nbsp;of the town was flooded; it would take three years for the town to recover fully.<ref name="Yarly" />

About 30,000&nbsp;people were left homeless statewide<ref name=DTIHMBTH>{{cite news|title=Death Toll in Hurricane may be 1200|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=DPgQAAAAIBAJ&pg=6912,1038670&dq=hurricane+liza+baja-california+-lisa-allen-andrew&hl=en|access-date=March 2, 2013|newspaper=The Age|date=October 4, 1976|page=6}}</ref> though other authorities estimated that 24,000&nbsp;people were left homeless in both Sonora and Sinaloa combined.<ref name=NLEIT /> Throughout the mainland, 12 communities sustained heavy damage.<ref name=LLBOM /> In all, all, there are no reports of major damage in the mainland.<ref name=TKIM>{{cite news|title=30 Killed in Mexico|newspaper=[[Tucson Daily Citizen]]|date=October 1, 1976}}</ref>

===Southwestern United States===
During its demise, Liza brought heavy rains and [[flood]]ing to much of the [[Southwestern United States]].<ref name=LLBC /> In [[Arizona]], the tropical system brought light to moderate rain throughout the state, with maximum being {{convert|1.48|in|mm}} at [[Willow Beach, Arizona]]. Further east, Liza's remnants dropped light rainfall in [[New Mexico]] (peaking at {{convert|0.47|in|mm|abbr=on}} in [[White Sands National Park]]),<ref name="HPC West">{{cite report| author = Roth, David M | title = Tropical Cyclone Rainfall for the West | url = http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/tcwest.html | publisher = [[Hydrometeorological Prediction Center]] | work = Tropical Cyclone Rainfall Climatology | year = 2008 | access-date = March 1, 2013}}</ref> as well as in southwestern [[Texas]].<ref name=SIW /> Across [[Death Valley]], flooding was recorded.<ref>{{cite book|title=Ancient floods, modern hazards: principles and applications of paleofood|publisher=AGU Books Board|page=92|author1=House, Kyle P|author2=Webb, Robert H|author3=Baker, Victor R|author4=Levish R. Dainel|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FjvkpnL3VmcC&q=Hurricane+Liza+baja+california&pg=PA62|access-date=March 3, 2013}}{{Dead link|date=August 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

==Aftermath==
{{deadliest Pacific hurricanes}}
During the aftermath of the storm, rescue workers searched the La Paz harbor, but had little hope in finding any victims.<ref name=HILPOD /> Other rescue workers endured {{convert|100|F|C|abbr=on}} heat while frantically searching for bodies floating on the ocean or sunk under mud.<ref name=LOR>{{cite news|title=Liza on rampage|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=10FPAAAAIBAJ&pg=6687,70349&dq=hurricane+liza+baja-california+-lisa-allen-andrew&hl=en|access-date=March 1, 2013|newspaper=Ellensburg Daily Record|date=October 2, 1976|agency=[[United Press International]]|page=1}}</ref><ref name=BDTH>{{cite news|title=Baja Death Toll Huge|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Z8RiAAAAIBAJ&pg=1685,2961037&dq=hurricane+liza+baja-california+-lisa-allen-andrew&hl=en|access-date=March 2, 2013|newspaper=St. Joseph Gazette|date=October 4, 1976|agency=Associated Press|page=6}}</ref> Six [[bulldozer]]s worked all day and night to extract cars, some of which were upside down while others were submerged into the flood waters.<ref name=DTIHMBTH /> Officials estimated that it would take eight days to repair down power lines in La Paz and completely restore electrical services;<ref name=LLBOM /> within 72 hours following the passage of Liza, there was no electricity or fresh water access to survivors.<ref name=ISLA /> Emergency facilitates were used to provide the city with drinking water.<ref name=MHTTSF /> Food was rationed at hotels and restaurants. Drinking water was supplied, but water supplies rapidly went short.<ref name=SCBFDB />

Some survivors of Hurricane Liza complained that they had only received one ration of food and water within 3 days of the passage of Liza.<ref name=SCBFDB /> Subsequently, armed troops guarded gangs of looters that damaged additional homes.<ref name="TGALIFRMT" /> An effort was made to cure people who were suffering from sickness, but by midday on October&nbsp;3, after treating more than 5,000&nbsp;persons, the effort had been halted due to a lack of sterile [[cotton]] vital for administrating the shots.<ref name=NLEIT /> Medical workers attempted to vaccinate all survivors for [[typhoid fever]] and [[tetanus]], but the supply of [[syringes]] ran short.<ref name="TGALIFRMT" /> A large memorial service was held on October&nbsp;2 in a nearby church.<ref name=MGHHV>{{cite news|title=Mass graves hold hurricane's victims|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=rEFPAAAAIBAJ&pg=3506,183815&dq=hurricane+liza+baja-california+-lisa-allen-andrew&hl=en|access-date=March 2, 2013|newspaper=Ellensburg Daily Record|date=October 5, 1976|agency=United Press International|page=1}}</ref>

Supplies had been brought in through the air and via the [[Mexican Navy]] containing food, blankets, and medicine early on October&nbsp;2.<ref name=LLBC /> However, additional bad weather initially prevented further supplies from coming in.<ref name=LLBOM /> Around that time, President Echeverria ordered emergency aid to be sent La Paz, [[Los Mochis]], and [[Ciudad Obregón]], as well as three coastal Sonoran ports.<ref name=LLBC /> In addition, officials set up tents to house 40,000&nbsp;homeless persons.<ref name=MHTTSF>{{cite news|title=Mexican Hurricane Toll Tops 650|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=jfZQAAAAIBAJ&pg=6058,174501&dq=hurricane+liza+baja-california+-lisa-allen-andrew&hl=en|access-date=March 2, 2013|newspaper=The Telegraph-Herald|date=October 3, 1976|agency=United Press International|page=1}}</ref> Meanwhile, city officials appealed for additional food, [[medicine]], and construction materials.<ref name=HHBOD /> [[Gerald Ford]], who was then the U.S. president, agreed to provide aid for victims of Hurricane Liza;<ref name=FWAHV>{{cite news|title=Ford Will Assist Hurricane Victims|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=h3woAAAAIBAJ&pg=5042,519719&dq=hurricane+liza+baja-california+-lisa-allen-andrew&hl=en|access-date=March 2, 2013|newspaper=[[Daytona Beach Morning Journal]]|date=October 3, 1976|agency=Associated Press|page=10}}</ref> the first of which arrived late on October&nbsp;2, containing food and construction materials.<ref name=SCBFDB /> The next day, power had been restored to hospitals, government centers, and gas stations.<ref name=NLEIT>{{cite news|title=New life ends in tragedy|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=cT9VAAAAIBAJ&pg=3155,1097916&dq=hurricane+liza+baja-california+-lisa-allen-andrew&hl=en|access-date=March 2, 2013|newspaper=The Leader-Post|date=October 4, 1976|agency=Associated Press|page=55}}</ref> The government said that it was rushing in 100,000&nbsp;meals as well as 40,000&nbsp;temporary shelters<ref name=SCBFDB /> the first of which started to arrive on October&nbsp;5.<ref name=MARE /> within a week after the storm, however, one survivor of the storm noted that plenty of food had arrived from many places.<ref name=HL />

[[Ángel César Mendoza Arámburo]], the governor of Baja California Sur, ordered a permanent evacuation of all low-lying residents to prevent more destruction during future floods, saying "I never want to see this city menaced in this way again".<ref name=NLEIT /> State and federal officials arranged a meeting on October&nbsp;3 to make a plan to reconstruct the devastated area,<ref name=SCBFDB>{{cite news|title=Shoddy construction blamed for dike break|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=KuVVAAAAIBAJ&pg=4724,969254&dq=hurricane+liza+baja-california+-lisa-allen-andrew&hl=en|access-date=March 2, 2013|newspaper=Eugene Register Guard|date=October 4, 1976|agency=United Press International|page=5}}</ref> which had to be almost entirely re-built.<ref name=CC>{{cite book|title=Caminos|year=1980|publisher=Caminos Corporation|page=10|author=Mexican Americans|edition=10, 12}}</ref> President Echeverría declared that La Paz would be built a different way.<ref name="TGALIFRMT" /> In February 1977, houses were donated to the needy in La Paz.<ref name=HGTNILP>{{cite news|title=Production-Line Houses Given to Needy in La Paz|newspaper=L.A. Times|date=February 25, 1977|page=C1}}</ref> On the mainland, $50,000 of relief materials as well as $20,000 of cash was supplied to the Los Mochis area.<ref name=ASATV />

Many La Paz residents were upset with officials for failing to protect the dam.<ref name=MCDAS /> Months later, the Mexican government launched an investigation into its failure.<ref>{{cite news|title=Mexico to Study Dike's Rupture|newspaper=New York Times|date=October 7, 1976}}</ref>

==See also==
{{Portal|Tropical cyclones}}
*[[List of Category 4 Pacific hurricanes]]
*[[List of Baja California Peninsula hurricanes]]
*[[List of Pacific hurricanes]]
*[[Hurricane Norbert (2008)]]
*[[Hurricane Jimena (2009)]]
*[[Hurricane Odile]]

==References==
{{Reflist|2}}

==External links==
* [http://www.weather.unisys.com/hurricane/e_pacific/1976/LIZA/track.gif Storm Path]

{{Category 4 Pacific hurricanes}}
{{1976 Pacific hurricane season buttons}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:1976 Pacific hurricane season|Liza]]
[[Category:Category 4 Pacific hurricanes|Liza (1976)]]
[[Category:September 1976 in the United States]]
[[Category:October 1976 in the United States]]
[[Category:1976 natural disasters in the United States]]
[[Category:1976 disasters in Mexico]]
[[Category:Hurricanes in Sonora]]
[[Category:Hurricanes in Arizona]]
[[Category:Hurricanes in Texas]]
[[Category:Hurricanes in Chihuahua]]
[[Category:Hurricanes in Sinaloa]]
[[Category:Hurricanes in Baja California]]
[[Category:Hurricanes in Baja California Sur]]
[[Category:Hurricanes in New Mexico]]