 Hurricane Tara caused severe damage in southern Guerrero where it moved ashore , wrecking at least 10 communities . Heavy rainfall from Tara exacerbated flooding in the area , which was caused by ten days of precipitation preceding the hurricane ; the heavy rainfall contaminated drinking water . Strong waves killed a surfer in the Acapulco area . In the city , low @-@ lying areas were inundated with water , causing in excess of $ 1 million in damage ( 1961 USD ) . In nearby Tecpán de Galeana , the hurricane killed 116 people , and dozens more were killed in other close villages . Elsewhere in Guerrero , the coastal highway between Acapulco and Zihuatanejo received heavy damage , which later hampered relief efforts ; the highway was a priority for storm repairs , with crews working continuously for several days to restore the vital link . Many deaths were reported in coastal towns of Guerrero , although exact death tolls were initially unknown , with many of the towns covered in mud . People received little warning of the hurricane , and many people died while sleeping . In addition , thousands were left homeless by the storm . According to radio reports , a hurricane @-@ related waterspout wrecked the city of Nuxco , although the damage was later described as flooding from a lagoon ; 225 deaths were reported in Nuxco . Food supplies were depleted in some coastal communities , forcing residents to rely on coconuts that were downed during the hurricane . Overall crop damage in Mexico was unofficially estimated at $ 16 million ( 1961 USD , $ 115 million 2009 USD ) . By two days after the storm , the government of Mexico sent two airplanes to Acapulco , where the food , clothing , and medicine were distributed by truck or helicopter to the affected areas . The Mexican government arranged plans to drop food and medical aid into isolated villages , although food supplies were initially insufficient for the great number of people affected by the storm . Five army units and three helicopters were sent to the region to assist in the aftermath , although planes encountered difficulties in landing due to flooded runways . Army soldiers were responsible for rescue operations , while paratroopers were sent to the most affected areas to distribute aid . Despite fears of the spread of disease in the aftermath , prompt work by medical officials prevented any epidemics due to the storm . 
