WARDEN MESSAGE

Tropical Storm Alma

May 29, 2008

 

This morning, the Government of Nicaragua issued a hurricane warning for the Pacific Coast of Nicaragua.  Tropical Storm Alma is currently off the coast of Nicaragua and has been accompanied by torrential rains.  The storm is expected to hit the northern coast of Nicaragua later this afternoon or tonight.  Preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion.

According to the National Hurricane Center, Alma is expected to produce total rainfall amounts of 10 to 15 inches over portions of Central America.  Isolated maximum storm total amounts of 20 inches are possible in areas of higher terrain.  These rains may produce life-threatening flash floods and mudslides.  Areas of particular concern are the departments of Chinandega and Leon.

The Embassy has authorized most staff to leave work at 3:00 p.m. because of the flooded road conditions in the greater Managua area.  Many schools in Managua attended by U.S. citizens have canceled classes for tomorrow.

The Embassy recommends that U.S. citizens visiting or residing in Nicaragua monitor local, national, and international news media (print, radio, and television) for weather updates and take appropriate measures to ensure their personal safety and well-being during this season of more inclement weather.

In the past, many U.S. citizens traveling abroad to affected regions have been forced to delay their return to the United States due to infrastructure damage to airports and limited flight availability.  In many cases, flights were suspended and passengers faced long delays due to the need to repair a damaged airport.  Roads were also washed out or obstructed by debris, adversely affecting access to airports and land routes out of affected areas.  In the event of a hurricane, travelers should be aware that they may not be able to depart the area for 24-48 hours or more.

In the aftermath of a storm, U.S. citizens have encountered uncomfortable and often dangerous conditions that have lasted for several days while awaiting transportation back to the United States.  Reports of looting and sporadic violence are not uncommon, but can be exaggerated.  Security personnel may not be readily available to assist at all times.
U.S. citizens living in or traveling to storm-prone regions should prepare for hurricanes and tropical storms by organizing a kit containing a supply of bottled water, non-perishable food items, a battery-powered or hand crank radio, and vital documents (especially passport and identification) in a waterproof container.  Emergency shelters often have access only to basic resources and limited medical and food supplies.

U.S. citizens should monitor local radio, the National Weather Service at http://www.nhc.noaa.gov, and other media to stay aware of any weather developments in their area.  Minor tropical storms can develop into hurricanes very quickly, limiting the time available for a safe evacuation.  Travelers should apprise family and friends in the United States of their whereabouts, and keep in close contact with their tour operator, hotel staff, and local officials for evacuation instructions in the event of a weather emergency.

Additional information on hurricanes and storm preparedness may be found in the “Hurricane Season-Know Before You Go” pamphlet at: http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/hurricane_season/hurricane_season_2915, and on the “Natural Disasters” page of the Bureau of Consular Affairs’ web site at: http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/emergencies/emergencies_1207.html.  Updated information on travel in the Caribbean may be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 within the United States and Canada, or from overseas, 1-202-501-4444. Travelers to the region are encouraged to check the Internet site of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate with consular responsibilities for the territory they will be visiting (accessible via http://usembassy.state.gov/).  For further information please consult the Consular Information Sheet for the country or territory in question, available via the Internet at http://travel.state.gov.

The U.S. Embassy in Managua is now located at Km 5 ½ C. Sur Managua, Nicaragua.  The U.S. Embassy in Managua can be reached 24/7 at 505-252-7100.  For emergencies (deaths, arrests, etc.) after hours, U.S. citizens can call this phone number and ask for the Embassy Duty Officer.

General information regarding consular service is available by calling (505) 252-7888.  Non-emergency services for American citizens are available Monday through Friday, 1:00 to 3:00 PM, except on Nicaraguan and U.S. holidays.

Additional contact information for the American Citizens Services unit is as follows:
Fax:             (505) 252-7304
Email:           ACS.Nicaragua@state.gov
Website:       http://managua.usembassy.gov
U.S. citizens are urged to register and update their contact information at the following web site: https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui.

Updated information on travel and security in Nicaragua may be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 within the United States and Canada or, from outside the United States and Canada, 1-202-501-4444. U.S. citizens should consult the Department of State's Worldwide Caution and Country Specific Information and Travel Warning for Nicaragua at http://travel.state.gov, and the travel publication "A Safe Trip Abroad" at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1747.html.