Public Announcement
HURRICANES
American citizens who are planning to be in Cuba during hurricane season should carefully consider the potential dangers and inconveniences associated with a hurricane and should devise an emergency plan in advance of a storm’s arrival. Even inland areas far from the coastline can experience destructive winds, tornadoes, and floods from tropical storms and hurricanes.
Regions affected by hurricanes and tropical storms may experience widespread damage to infrastructure and serious shortages of habitable accommodations, food, water, and medical facilities. Storms can result in airport closures or limited flight availability due to runway or terminal damage and a shortage of electricity. Americans in affected regions may be required to delay their return to the United States while staying in emergency shelters with basic resources and limited medicine and food supplies. Hurricane damage is caused by storm surge, high winds, heavy rain, flooding, mudslides, and tornadoes
When is hurricane season?
Hurricane season runs from the beginning of June to the end of November. The past several years have seen an overall increase in the quantity and intensity of hurricanes in the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea, and the Gulf of Mexico. In 2005, there were 28 named storms of which 15 became hurricanes. This proved to be the most active hurricane season in recorded history, causing billions of dollars in damage and resulting in thousands of fatalities. In 2006, there were 9 major storms including 5 hurricanes, which largely remained off land, limiting the property damage and loss of life to far below the levels witnessed in 2005.
How can I prepare?
Americans should register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department’s travel registration website. Registration will make your presence and whereabouts known and will make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact you in case of emergency. While Consular Officers will do their utmost to assist Americans in a crisis, travelers should always be aware that when they are abroad, local authorities bear primary responsibility for the welfare of people living or traveling in their jurisdictions. It is important to follow local authorities’ instructions concerning security and evacuation; failure to do so has cost people their lives.
During the hurricane season Americans should monitor local radio and other sources of information, such as the National Hurricane Center, to stay aware of any weather developments in the area. Minor tropical storms can develop into hurricanes very quickly, limiting the time available for a safe evacuation. Travelers should maintain close contact with their tour operator, hotel staff, and local officials for evacuation instructions in the event of a weather emergency.
For further information on the dangers of Hurricanes and for guides on preparing for emergency situations, please visit the following websites:
WARDEN MESSAGE
Cuban media has announced that foreigners with permanent resident status in Cuba must replace their Foreigner ID Card with a new card containing a new format. For more information please visit the Office for Immigration and Foreign Affairs located at Calle 17 no 203 e/ J y K, Vedado, Ciudad de la Habana.