US State Department issues warning on Caribbean travel

The U.S. Department of State issued a notice on Wednesday urging Americans to be vigilant about the potential risks of travel in the Caribbean posed by tropical storm Gustav. Particular mention was made regarding travel to the Cayman Islands, Cuba, Haiti, Jamaica and the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico.

In the travel alert U.S. citizens not having access to safe shelter in areas where the storm was likely to hit were urged to consider leaving the area while seats on flights were still available.

On Wednesday, Gustav moved from Haiti’s south-western peninsula after it had left death and destruction from floods and landslides in both Haiti and the Dominican Republic. From that point it was moving in the direction of the Gulf of Mexico.

The U.S. Embassy located in Port au Prince, Haiti suspended regular operations for the day on Wednesday, but continues to be available for emergency support. U.S. missions in Cuba, Jamaica, and in Mexico’s Yucatan will also provide emergency service for the duration of the storm, but may need to suspend scheduled operations without prior notice.

The travel alert also advised U.S. citizens that they should carry important travel documents on their person, including passport, birth certificate and other photo identification, or alternatively securing them in a safe and waterproof location. Americans visiting or residing in areas impacted by the storm were also urged to keep in contact with family and friends in the U.S.

www.state.gov