Mexico City, October 12 (QNA) - Hurricane Simon battered Mexico's Pacific coast with strong winds and torrential rain, triggering flooding and prompting emergency measures as the storm moved parallel to the coastline near the resort city of Puerto Vallarta.

The storm weakened to Category 3 but remained dangerous, with maximum sustained winds of 125 mph (205 kph), according to reports citing the US National Hurricane Center (NHC).

Heavy rainfall affected several coastal states, including Jalisco, Colima, Nayarit and Sinaloa, raising the risk of life-threatening flooding and landslides, particularly in mountainous areas. Rainfall totals could reach 30 inches (76 cm) in parts of Michoacan, Colima and Jalisco, forecasters warned.

Authorities stepped up precautionary measures, including evacuations and the opening of emergency shelters. Puerto Vallarta International Airport was also closed, while Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum urged residents in affected coastal areas to remain indoors and follow official safety instructions. (QNA)