Saturday, September 20, 2014

Some Good News From Los Cabos

 itravel-cabo.com
 
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Only the beginning, but Cabo already showing great stength of recovery following Odile

It's been a week of truly bad news following Hurricane Odile, so lets now look at some of the latest good news to come out of Los Cabos.

Clean Up & Security

As previously reported today, the clean up is well underway and Cabo is already progressing with its recovery. The marines have arrived in town and are helping to clean the streets of mud and debris using have shovels and picks. We have also received word that the army have taken more control with officials setting a curfew at 9pm.

Local Radio is Back in Action

The local radio is back up and running Cabo Mil Radio Cabo. If you are trying to locate anyone in Cabo you can post a message with their name and they will broadcast for you.
Highway Works in Cabo

Gas Stations & Travel on Highway 1

Four gas stations opened today. Two are allowing both cars and gas cans to be filled without any reported 'limit'.
In spite of the travel warnings many are making the trip down Highway 1 whilst work is still ongoing. If you must go, here are a few things to bear in mind...
Based on some of the latest information we have, the Highway is now allowing traffic flow in both directions without too much trouble to Guerrero Negro. There is still some water at the vado in Cataviña, though not enough to cause problems if you drive slowly and carefully. Past Guerrero Negro the road is "open" but with limitations and some potential problems.
The government has made the road "passable" at several spots around the Guerrero Negro area with some quick regrading work. The road is currently drivable but very rough in places so go easy. Before setting off anywhere, please make sure your tires are in good shape and that you have a good spare as surfaces are unpredictable.
The mid section of the peninsula also suffered a lot of flood damage in locations and some communities may not currently be equipped to handle services such as food, gas and lodging as normal. The availability of gasoline in general is still unpredictable and, as you will imagine, there are long lines to fill up. Due to the breakdown in communications, any accident or road emergency response will be extremely slow or even none.
Of course it's still best NOT to travel if you can avoid it, but if you do, please take lots of extra water, snacks and extra medications you may be taking.
Best to wait of course but if you must travel right now, please be careful, use extreme caution and drive safely.

Official Line On Travel For US Citizens

Emergency Message from the Consulate General of the U.S. - Hurricane Odile (Sep 18, 2014)
The Department of State recommends that U.S. citizens affected by Hurricane Odile in Baja California Sur should proceed to San José del Cabo airport as soon as possible, if able to do so. Travel during daylight hours is recommended.
The Department of State is working with U.S. and Mexican carriers to arrange flights for U.S. citizens departing from San José del Cabo (SJD) airport on Thursday, September 18. Other flights MAY be departing from the airport in La Paz (LAP). The Department of State urges U.S. citizens still in Cabo San Lucas to avail themselves of this opportunity. Passengers should be prepared to wait until they are able to depart. Many U.S. and Mexican commercial flights are departing this airport. In addition, the U.S. State Department has chartered flights. By law, these flights will be provided on a reimbursable basis, and passengers will be required to sign a promissory note. No passenger will be turned away due to lack of funds.
U.S. consular personnel are in affected areas in the Baja California peninsula to provide consular assistance to stranded citizens.
The U.S. Consulate in Tijuana advises against land travel between southern Baja and northern Baja Peninsula because of damage to the Trans-Peninsular Highway.
For U.S. citizens affected by Hurricane Odile, or their relatives:
The State Department has established a crisis hotline to respond to inquiries about current conditions and loved ones in the impacted area. If you require assistance personally, or wish to inquire on behalf of a friend or family member, please use the following contact information:
From the U.S. & Canada: 1-888-407-4747
From Overseas: 1 202-501-4444
Email: OdileEmergencyUSC@state.gov
General Preparation and Guidance
U.S. citizens are advised to monitor local media for updates or possible changes to the potentially violent weather conditions and to follow any instructions/warnings issued by the Mexican government. Preparations to protect life and property should be considered. U.S. citizens should carry their travel documents (i.e. U.S. passport book or passport card) with them at all times or secure them by placing them in a safe, waterproof location. If you must travel during this time, please take reasonable precautions such as avoiding entering swiftly moving water. Drivers should remain vigilant for landslides.
We strongly recommend that U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Mexico enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) on the State Department’s website. STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates, and makes it easier for the U.S.

Every day brings progress! More news, as and when we get it.

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