14 Sep 2017 | 04:51 PM UTC
Cuba: US advises against travel in wake of Hurricane Irma
US advises against travel to Cuba due to post-hurricane destruction in wake of Irma
Event
The US Department of State updated its travel advisory for Cuba on Wednesday, September 13, advising its citizens against traveling to Cuba, especially to the north and central regions, due to post-hurricane destruction. As of September 13, the coastal regions of Cuba, from Baracoa to west of Havana, were suffering from water shortages due to damaged infrastructure and power outages caused by Hurricane Irma.
Context
Hurricane Irma, which hit Cuba between September 8-10, left ten dead in Cuba and caused severe flooding in Havana, as well as the provinces of Matanzas, Camaguey, and Ceigo de Avila.
Advice
Individuals present in the affected areas are advised to be prepared for water shortages (stock up on bottled water), to stay away from downed power lines, to adhere to all advice issued by the local authorities, and to avoid any nonessential travel to the region.
Finally, because floodwater may also contain wastewater or chemical products, wear boots and try to avoid any contact with the water. All items having come into contact with the water should be washed and disinfected. Dispose of any food that may have come into contact with floodwater.
