Mexican region on alert for Hurricane Dean

CANCUN, Mexico (AFP) - Mexican authorities yesterday declared a red alert in the eastern region of Chetumal as they braced for the arrival of deadly Hurricane Dean powering towards the region.

The alert announced by the governor of Quintana Roo state Felix Gonzalez warned that the first tropical storm force winds were likely to be felt from 7:00 pm yesterday and would intensify over the next hours.

The red alert aims to speed up the evacuation of people from the Yucatan peninsula set to take a direct hit from the hurricane, which has already left a trail of destruction in the Caribbean in its wake.