Tropical Storm Hazel (1965)

Since meteorologists were expecting Hazel to remain away from land, many residents were unprepared for the storm. However, 10,000 people fled the low-lying areas of Mazatlán.^[3] Substantial damage was recorded in the city^[4] Many rivers overflowed its banks, and roughly 5,000 people were without shelter. The entire city of Mazatlán was without power and the city water system was damaged.^[5] At least 50 boats were damaged or sunk by the storm. The damage from the storm was estimated to be at least $10 million (1965 USD), making Hazel the costliest tropical cyclone of the season.^[1][3] Three people were reported killed in Mazatlán, two fishermen died when attempted to ride out the storm, and a boy who was electrocuted by a downed power line. Three additional deaths from electrocutions were reported in a rural section of Nayarit. Due to a communications breakdown, no word was received about six vacationers in Mazatlán.^[4] The city was only reachable by boat.^[6] In addition, several shacks made of wood, tin, and cardboard were either washed away or inundated by up to 6 ft (1.8 m) of muddy water while flooding from the storm had washed out bridges and roads throughout the state and some merges were cancelled.^[4][7] The cyclone also had a major impact on the coastal economy since Mazatlán's shrimp fleet, which makes up the base of the city's economy. In southern Sinaloa, 55,000 acres (220 km²) of cotton, corn, and sorghum were lost.^[4] There were also reports of heavy losses to livestock.^[3] On account of the storm, 1,000 people sought shelter in schools; in the farm areas of Barron and El Wailamo, people were taking refuge on top of trees and homes.^[3] Army units and relief agencies rushed to provide aid to coastal cities.^[5]

As a result of the damage caused, the name Hazel was retired, and will never again be used for a Pacific hurricane.^[8] It was replaced with Heather in 1969.^[9]

• List of Pacific hurricanes
• Other tropical cyclones named Hazel