More than 70 reported useless as cartel violence disrupts journey in Puerto Vallarta

WASHINGTON STATE — Several flights to and from Puerto Vallarta remained canceled Monday because the area continued to grapple with civil unrest linked to cartel retaliation following the reported dying of its chief, referred to as “El Mencho.”

More than 70 folks have reportedly died within the violence. So far, no vacationers have been reported among the many useless. Flights between Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and Puerto Vallarta had been nonetheless canceled Monday, with most inbound flights from Puerto Vallarta additionally listed as canceled.

Several Seattle-area vacationers remained in Puerto Vallarta amid the uncertainty. Travelers mentioned situations had been calmer than Sunday, when the violence erupted, however not like something they’d beforehand skilled there.

RELATED: Is the US safer from Mexico’s cartels after kingpin ‘El Mencho’ was killed?

Jolene Jang, who traveled to Puerto Vallarta for what was alleged to be a weeklong trip, mentioned she and different vacationers had been confined to their resort as a precaution.

So many people had been simply watching the shoreline blow up, blow up, blow up, poof, poof, poof,” Jang mentioned. “We’re really close to the grocery store, the one that had all the vehicles torched and blown up, and then right across from that, there were also another handful of vehicles that were blown up as well.

Jang shared photos showing burned-out vehicles across the street from her hotel. Another visitor, John Thompson, described seeing multiple fires set around the city.

The police don’t come out and get into a confrontation with them, because then there could be collateral damage with people being shot, and they just leave them alone,” Thompson mentioned. “They just let them do what they want to do, and the fires just burn out on their own.

ALSO SEE: Oregon woman shelters in place amid cartel violence in Western Mexico

While much of the area was locked down Sunday as the violence unfolded, Jang said vehicle and foot traffic began picking up Monday. She said she hopes to leave as scheduled later this week. Officials at the Puerto Vallarta International Airport said the airport remains open, though some airlines have canceled or rescheduled flights.

“I don’t think we feel like we’re the targets, and we’re sheltered with all this resort area, but it’s interesting. I feel bad for the people who live here,” Jang mentioned.

Delta Air Lines and United Airlines are permitting affected passengers to rebook journey with out change charges.

Airbnb advised KOMO News its “Major Disruptive Events” coverage is in impact, permitting hosts and friends within the affected space to cancel reservations with out penalties. An organization spokesperson mentioned Airbnb can also be aiding vacationers with refunds, cancellations, or extensions as wanted.