Two men have been killed after Hurricane Barbara hit Mexico’s southern Pacific coast yesterday, flooding roads and toppling trees before weakening to a tropical storm as it spread inland.

There were reports of 60mph winds and intense rainfall battering the coast, which prompted authorities to erect shelters and suspend schools as it tried to deal with the storm.

According to media reports, 14 fishermen disappeared in the state of Oaxaca during the storm, but local emergency services said they could not confirm that information.

The hurricane was churning north-northeast at about 9mph and is expected to weaken rapidly overnight, the NHC said.

Ports for small vessels in the area have been closed and emergency services in Oaxaca said they evacuated residents from some areas as a precaution, including the immediate vicinity of the refinery.

Maza Sanchez said classes would be suspended at schools along the coast for the rest of the week.

Storm shelters were set up in 20 towns and hamlets, and such shelters are often installed at schools.