| Fact Sheet Office of the Spokesman Washington, DC October 27, 2005 U.S. Government Action to Assist American Citizens in Mexico/Hurricane Wilma ResponseHurricane Wilma caused massive damage in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula this past weekend. The Department of State has actively sought to ensure that U.S. citizens are safe, have access to basic services, and will be able to return to the United States as quickly as possible. As of October 27, 65 consular personnel are working around the clock to assist Americans who wish to depart the area. We are acutely aware that both tourists and residents are experiencing many hardships, and are working closely with the Mexican government and other nations to alleviate their situation and enable visitors to return home as soon as possible. Fortunately, to this point we have not yet learned of any deaths or serious injuries to U.S. citizens in Mexico as a result of the hurricane. U.S. citizens in Yucatan are urged to reach their emergency contacts in the United States to report their welfare. The State Department has a 24-hour task force to oversee U.S. response to the damage in Mexico, as well as a Call Center to handle queries from the public. The Call Center can be reached toll free at 1-888-407-4747 or from overseas at 1-202-501-4444. You can obtain up-to-date information on the U.S. Government’s assistance to Americans in Mexico following Hurricane Wilma at www.travel.state.gov. CURRENT SITUATION:
Embassy Mexico City reports that approximately 4,000 Americans departed Mexico for the United States on October 25 and another 4,000 on October 26. Several thousand remain in shelters and hotels in Cancun, a few dozen in Merida, and up to 650 remain in Cozumel. The airlines report that they should be able today to fly out American citizens currently in Merida. Commercial and charter air service at Cancun airport is increasing, with approximately 18 flights scheduled out of Cancun today. However, the Cancun airport suffered considerable damage and is operating on visual flight rules. Cozumel’s airport is also open, but flights are limited. AIRPORT CONDITIONS, AIRLINE FLIGHTS:
The airport in Cancun resumed passenger operations on October 25. Northwest, United, Delta, American, America West and Continental Airlines are expected to have flights out of Cancun on October 27, in addition to several charters. Standard flight services are hampered by damaged airport equipment and a lack of electricity, and most airlines have established booking services at La Salle University in downtown Cancun on Avenida Xaxilan, which opens at 6:30 a.m. Passengers on airlines that have established temporary services at La Salle University should obtain boarding passes there before traveling to the airport. Alaska Airlines reservation-holders should present themselves to the Continental Airlines agents. AeroMexico is operating from its regular offices. Delta Airlines passengers should go to AeroMexico offices in downtown Cancun. US Airways is expected to resume flights on Saturday, October 29. The airport in Merida is open, and both commercial and charter flights continue to depart. Road conditions between Cancun and Merida remain poor, but passable. Only a few dozen Americans are waiting for flights in Merida, and are expected to depart today. Mexican authorities established a shelter for travelers waiting to depart Merida airport, and provided blankets, food and water to travelers remaining at the airport.
A mainland ferry successfully reached the island of Cozumel during the late evening on October 24. At least 350 Americans have left the island on various vessels. The U.S. consular agent in Cozumel is working with the remaining American citizens there to assist them with transportation arrangements. Limited commercial air service continues. CHRONOLOGY OF U.S. ACTIONS:
Embassy Mexico City established a command center to assist Consulate Merida October 20. A crisis response center of eight consular personnel was established in Cancun October 23. Despite extensive damage to the transportation infrastructure, the U.S. currently has 29 consular officials in Cancun, 34 in Merida, and 2 in Cozumel. These individuals are assisting American citizens with transportation to airports and with obtaining medical assistance, when needed, from Mexican and Red Cross authorities. On October 24-26, U.S. officials worked with local officials and travel companies to arrange the departure of several thousand Americans from the hurricane-stricken areas of Cancun, Merida and Cozumel, and our officers will continue to do so until all Americans who wish to leave are able to do so. We estimate this may take a few more days. U.S. consular employees are providing assistance, including issuance of transportation letters when travel documents were lost and working with Mexican authorities to arrange temporary shelter until people are able to find flights to the U.S. or make other arrangements to depart. U.S. officials continue to work throughout the Cancun area, visiting shelters and hotels, to determine the condition of American citizens at area shelters and assist with their transportation to airports. When alerted to medical emergencies of American citizens in specific shelters, U.S. consular personnel are directing Red Cross ambulances to those locations to ensure the Americans receive proper medical care. When alerted to security problems in the vicinity of shelters with American citizens, our consular personnel have immediately consulted with the Mexican authorities, urging them to respond. To thwart looting, Cancun police have set up checkpoints throughout the city and imposed a 7 PM curfew. On October 20 the State Department issued a Public Announcement asking Americans in the Yucatan "to consider departing until the storm has passed while commercial flights are still available." Since then, assisting Americans in the area has remained our priority. |
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