I think it is very sad, but several thoughts keep running through my head.
As for electricity, many had solar panels and generators so they certainly had some, but the real nagging thought...
I've been to Costa Maya a number of times and each time there was more and more development going on. Uncontrolled it seemed. I seriously doubt profits were being equitably shared by the locals. Ive done a fair amount of fishing in Mexico including from sleepy little villages, but never from a sleepy village lined with beach bars.
I can't help but think that some of the long time residents of the area, thought they perhaps have nothing material left, do have their slice of (damaged) heaven back without all the tourists, if only for a little while.
I think the area was being overfished to try to satisfy the increased demand for food by both new residents and tourists.
Foliage grows back quickly in those climates. Before the end of the year there will be significant new growth. I witnessed the same on Grand Cayman a couple of months after Ivan and Cozumel a couple of months after Wilma.
Unlike those examples, I don't think cruisers will be the first tourists back in the area.
Margarita Del Sol had their webcam operating earlier today and no reason to think it won't be working tomorrow.
Mahahual WebCam - Costa Maya WebCam - Margarita del Sol WebCam - Instituto del Mar - Mahahual Weather - Costa Maya Weather - netcam
They are located about 8 miles from where Dean made landfall and expect to reopen by mid-October:
Hurricane Dean
Mahahual - Costa Maya - Boutique Hotel Mexico Vacation - Margarita del Sol - Instituto del Mar - Mayan Ecology Travel ecoturism vacations: Chinchorro Reef : Scuba Diving
Without a doubt I am glad I had an opportunity to visit so many times before disaster, and was scheduled to visit again in less than 2 weeks. I will return.
Without a doubt, they will rebuild. I just hope they don't destroy the spirit - the magic - that attracted so many people to begin with.