In connection with the increasing activity of Hurricane Irma in the Caribbean, Russian Foreign Ministry structures in the states of this region have issued warnings about the need for Russians in the Dominican Republic to take precautionary measures. The Republic of Haiti, Cuba, Venezuela, the State of Florida, and the US Virgin Islands.
Russian tourists vacationing in these countries are advised to refrain from coastal areas, especially swimming in the sea, to remain indoors, to avoid windows, and to strictly follow the instructions of local emergency services, tour operators, and hotel administrations.
You should have a sufficient supply of water, food, necessary medications, and keep documents and a charged mobile phone ready.
Those caught in the immediate hurricane zone are advised, if possible, to remain indoors in solid structures. They should move away from windows and take safe positions near walls, hallways, built-in closets, bathrooms, toilets, pantries, sturdy cabinets, and under tables. Fires should be extinguished, electricity should be turned off, and gas valves should be turned off. During a hurricane, stay as far as possible from lightweight structures, buildings, bridges, overpasses, power lines, masts, trees, rivers, lakes, and industrial facilities. Plywood sheets, cardboard and plastic boxes, boards, and other available means are recommended for protection from flying debris and glass fragments. Avoid entering damaged buildings, as they may collapse during subsequent gusts of wind.
Several hotels in the Dominican Republic hosting Russian tourists are taking measures to evacuate vacationers to safer areas if there is evidence of a real threat to their lives or health. However, according to the National Association of Hotels and Tourism of the Dominican Republic, hotels in the country are prepared for the elements, stockpiling food and drinking water, establishing sheltered areas, cleaning and strengthening exterior structures, and there is no need for mass evacuations.
A state of emergency has been declared in eastern Cuba (the provinces of Guantanamo, Santiago de Cuba, Granma, Holguin, Las Tunas, Camagüey, Ciego de Ávila, and Villa Clara). Residents and tourists are being evacuated in coastal areas of the eastern provinces.
In the United States, a number of hotels also offer citizens alternative accommodation options.
Air travel between Russia and the Caribbean is being carried out taking into account all safety factors for passenger air travel, including the current weather situation. Several airlines have canceled flights to the Dominican Republic, and flights to Miami (Florida, USA) have been delayed. Flights from Miami are expected to resume tomorrow. Tourists in the disaster area have been provided with meals and accommodations.
As a precaution, sea and land excursions in tourist areas of Caribbean countries located in the Hurricane Irma zone may be suspended.
Tourists who have booked tours and excursions to Caribbean countries located in the Hurricane Irma zone are advised to:
— check with representatives of air carriers and shipping companies to see if any flight/cruise dates have been cancelled or postponed
- check with your chosen tour operator about any changes in your plans
— check with the consular departments of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs at your destination for current weather conditions and forecasts for your tour (trip) route.
Unfavorable weather conditions in the Caribbean region are forecast to continue until September 9, 2017.
Rostourism is in contact with the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Situation and Crisis Center, the Ministry's offices in the Caribbean, the Federal Air Transport Agency, and the Dominican Republic's Ministry of Tourism office in Moscow, and is monitoring the situation.
The Federal Tourism Agency urges tour operators offering tours to Caribbean countries to inform their clients about adverse weather conditions in the region and recommended precautions, and urges Russian tourists to carefully observe these measures.
Emergency phone numbers:
The Russian Embassy in Venezuela in Punta Cana:
+1-809-481-45-86
Consular Section of the Russian Embassy in Venezuela in Caracas:
+58-412-910-10-91
Embassy of Russia in Venezuela:
+58-212-993-43-95
Consular Section of the Russian Embassy in the United States
+1-202-939-8907
+ 1-202-939-8913
Crisis headquarters EmbassiesA Russian Federation in the Republic of Cuba:
+53-7-204-26-86 (city)
+53-7-204-10-85 (city)
+53-7-204-10-74 (city)
+53-5-263-02-77 (mobile)
Source: trn-news.ru
