 Hurricane Pauline lightly affected the state of Chiapas , but severely affected Oaxaca and Guerrero , two of the poorest regions of Mexico . The area most impacted was the region in and around Acapulco . Throughout the country , Hurricane Pauline resulted in $ 447 @.@ 8 million in damage ( 1997 USD ) . A report issued by the United Nations Department of Humanitarian Affairs reported 137 deaths three days after Hurricane Pauline . Four days after the passage of the hurricane , a Reuters news report stated there were 173 dead with about 200 missing , while the government of Mexico issued a statement reporting 149 deaths . Ultimately , media reports indicated a death toll of at least 230 people , and the Mexican Red Cross estimated 400 dead and at least 1 @,@ 900 missing . The Church World Service estimated at least 500 people were killed . Relief Web suggests that 217 fatalities were reported and 600 @,@ 000 people were impacted . Approximately 300 @,@ 000 people were left homeless due to the storm . 
