Truly horrific pictures.
Mahahual took the western eyewall of Dean, which probably had surface winds approaching Category 5 strength (In the range of 150-155 mph likely), Dean's strongest winds likely were in a narrow band on its Northern eyewall. Even still, that damage is some of the most severe wind and water damage I have ever seen, and you truly know a high end Cat4 or Cat5 struck this area directly (the trees give the biggest clue).
Idea of what this place looked like before.
http://www.xcalak.info/images/mahahual/ ... _bar_l.jpghttp://www.caribbeanportreviews.com/Cos ... hahual.jpghttp://www.cancunfirstclass.com/propert ... hahual.jpghttp://www.mahahualmexico.com/images/Re ... hahual.jpgIt seems the only structure left standing in this town was the hotel, which likely was the strongest structure in the city. Even still, it was devastated and likely will need too be rebuilt.
What is the lesson from this? When a Category 4/5 hurricane is projected to get into your area, if you are anywhere near the coast get out or you will die.