The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has issued a travel warning for tourism destinations in Mexico and the Caribbean as Hurricane Beryl lashes the region.
Beryl, a category 5 storm, is predicted to hit Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula “near major tourist locations from Thursday evening [local time] and continue through the weekend”, DFAT said on its Smartraveller website.
Among the tourist hotspots in the Yucatan region are Cancun, Tulum and the Riviera Maya, including Playa del Carmen, and Cozumel Island, just off the coast of the Mexican mainland.
“Damaging winds, dangerous storm surges and heavy rainfall are expected. If you’re in the region, review your travel plans,” says the advice for Mexico, issued today (4 July).
As a result of the storm, airports may close while other transportation may also be affected.
In addition, DFAT warns Aussies in the region to “prepare to shelter in place”.
“Local authorities will direct you to your nearest shelter in the event of a hurricane,” it says.
“Monitor the media and follow the advice of local authorities. Keep adequate supplies of drinking water and essential medication.”
Jamaican jolt
Meanwhile, Hurricane Beryl is now sweeping by the Caribbean nation of Jamaica.
According to the Washington Post, many residents have already evacuated their homes as flooding strikes the island’s eastern region.
In an interview with the Jamaica Observer, a government minister for St Vincent and the Grenadines, which has already endured the storm, called the event “the most devastating disaster that I have ever experienced in terms of the winds and the damage that it has caused” in his 14 years in office.
“My warning is that Jamaica should take this hurricane seriously. Be prepared,” Agriculture Minister Saboto Caesar said.
Jamaica’s three main international airports will remain closed until at least Wednesday night (local time), with many carriers waiving change and cancellation fees, the New York Times reported.
DFAT’s travel warning for the Caribbean nation on 3 July said “local authorities have declared Jamaica a disaster area”.
“An island-wide curfew from 6am-6pm local time will be in place on 3 July,” it stated.
“Monitor the media and follow the advice of local authorities.”
According to the Associated Press, the storm has already claimed the lives of at least seven people, with three people killed in Grenada and Carriacou and another in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, officials said. Three other deaths were reported in northern Venezuela, where several other people are still missing.
The Caribbean hurricane season is from June to November, the Smartraveller website says.
“The direction and strength of hurricanes can change suddenly. Landslides, mudslides and flooding can also occur. Essential services, such as water and electricity, might be affected.”
Meanwhile, the Washington Post also reports that the storm could hit Texas in the US.
Cruise lines react
Many cruise lines are changing their ships’ routes in the Caribbean due to Hurricane Beryl.
According to CNN, Royal Caribbean has rerouted five ships due to the storm: Celebrity Beyond, Icon of the Seas, Grandeur of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas and Harmony of the Seas.
Some ships have adjusted their schedules for stops in Cozumel, while others have swapped destinations like Bonaire and Roatan for Aruba and Nassau.
Carnival and Norwegian Cruise Lines have also modified routes for their ships, avoiding Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, Belize and Mexico.
Along with the travel warning, DFAT’s general advice for anyone caught up in a natural disaster is to:
- Secure your passport in a safe, waterproof location
- Keep in contact with your friends and family
- Monitor local media and other sources
- Follow the advice of local authorities
- Contact your tour operator or airline
- Get local advice before entering affected areas
It also urges Aussies to register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System for disaster alerts.
