Was Varadero hit by Hurricane Irma? Russian tourists told how they escaped from Irma in Cuba. Varadero after Hurricane Irma
HAVANA, 11 September. /Corr. TASS Andrey Bekrenev/. Continues in the Cuban capital severe flood caused by Hurricane Irma that hit the region.
Havana's Malecon promenade and many streets along coastline. According to meteorologists, waves up to 11 meters high hit the city on Saturday, water penetrated deeper into Havana by more than 500 meters.
In some areas, such as central Vedado, people move waist-deep or even chest-deep in water. Cars, furniture, fragments of the roof are floating along the streets. Some Havanese move around the city in makeshift boats.
“I have lived in Havana all my life, but this is the first time I see this. After heavy rains, we often experience flooding, but there has never been such a flood. In some areas, the first floors of houses are completely flooded,” an elderly resident of Vedado told a TASS correspondent.
The city is de-energized
Most of the city has been de-energized for more than a day. The Chairman of the State Council and the Council of Ministers of Cuba, Raul Castro, ordered that all forces be thrown into the restoration of broken power lines.
The epicenter of the hurricane did not approach the Cuban capital closer than 200 km, but in the city of two million, located on the Atlantic coast, it blew all Saturday squally wind, it was raining heavily.
Many buildings on the embankment were damaged, including hotels and the US Embassy. In many places where the water has already receded, it is impossible to pass by car due to broken trees blocking the road.
In connection with weather conditions international Airport Havana them. Jose Marti will be closed until 12 noon (19:00 Moscow time) on September 11. Aeroflot's Sunday flight from Moscow to Havana and back was cancelled.
Large-scale evacuation
Residents and authorities of the Cuban capital a few days before the approach of "Irma" began to take precautionary measures. Public utilities cleared storm drains, trimmed tree limbs, covered the windows of the buildings on the Malecon with plywood sheets, and reinforced the buildings with sandbags.
About 10 thousand people were evacuated from coastal areas in safe places. Currently, reinforced police squads are on duty on the streets of the city to prevent looting. Not all evacuees have yet been able to return to their homes.
Destruction at the resorts
Irma, which raged in Cuba for two days, caused serious damage tourism infrastructure on famous resort islands Cayo Coco and Cayo Santa Maria located near north coast countries. Apparently, some hotels there will have to be rebuilt almost anew. The airport serving these islands is almost completely destroyed.
All tourists, including Russian ones, were evacuated from the resorts in advance. According to the Russian embassy in Cuba, the Russians were not injured during the passage of the Irma.
It turned out to be flooded and popular resort Varadero, located 140 km east of Havana. However, there is much less destruction and many vacationers have already returned to the beaches.
No casualties, damage counted
Element inflicted island nation serious damage, the amount of which is yet to be calculated. But thanks to the measures that were taken in the country before the arrival of the hurricane, the victims, according to preliminary data, were avoided.
Due to the approach of the Irma, a total of more than a million people were evacuated in Cuba. The civil defense forces have equipped in many settlements special shelters with supplies of water, food and medicine for several days.
According to the authorities, "Irma" caused serious damage to crops in the central part of the country, in particular, plantings of sugar cane, bananas and tobacco.
Before coming to Cuba, "Irma" raged in the region for several days Caribbean, causing great damage to Puerto Rico, as well as the islands owned by Britain, the Netherlands and France. According to the latest data, at least 24 people died in the Caribbean as a result of the passage of the hurricane.
Tour operators are relocating tourists to Varadero from properties damaged by Hurricane Irma to hotels of a similar level. Cancellations in Cuba are still isolated.
IN WHAT STATE IS THE TOURIST INFRASTRUCTURE OF CUBA
Cayo Coco and Cayo Guillermo suffered the most from Hurricane Irma that passed through Cuba - here, eyewitnesses report, the infrastructure is almost 100% destroyed and there is still not even electricity. Tour operators who put their charters in Cuba ( ANEX Tour, Pegas Tourism) planned to begin flight programs on Cayo Coco from October.
The tour operator has not yet changed plans for Cayo Coco and will resolve the issue as the situation normalizes.
The tour operator does not plan to fly to Cayo Coco yet, arguing that a number of the island's hotels cannot be restored at all, and the rest can be restored no earlier than in 1-2 months, the company said. Tourists who have already purchased tours to Cayo Coco from the tour operator are invited to rebook to other destinations, in particular, to the Dominican Republic.
According to the tour operator, Cubans plan to restore hotels on the islands by November.
The situation in Havana and Varadero is much better, according to tour operators, citing their host companies. There are no completely destroyed hotels in the resort of Varadero, some hotels have broken windows, broken verandas, fallen trees, and electricians have suffered. The host companies promise that everything will be fixed within 2 weeks. ANEX Tour reports that 75% of the electricity supply has been restored to Varadero.
The general director of Pegas Touristik, Anna Podgornaya, told Vestnik ATOR that communications are still poor in Cuba, but there are no interruptions in food and drink for tourists.
The beach strip of Varadero suffered very badly: rubble is being cleared and new umbrellas are being installed. The problem with sunbeds and umbrellas will be solved in the next week.
The tourism infrastructure in the regions of Holguin, Baracoa, Camaguey, Trinidad, and Santiago de Cuba is functioning normally, the Cuban Ministry of Tourism told ATOR Vestnik.
WHICH HOTELS IN VARADERO CAN BE FOR SALE AND WHICH ARE NOT
Most tour operators reported forced relocation of tourists from the most damaged hotels to others.
In particular, ANEX Tour tourists (from the last arrival before the hurricane) were relocated from the seriously damaged Playa Caleta, Tortuga and Sun Beach hotels to the Palma Real hotel; from Turquesa and Grand Memories - to the Solyma hotel; from the Paradisus, Melia Antillas and Melia Peninsula hotels - to the Melia Varadero hotel; from the damaged Hotel Patriarca to the Hotel Vista Azul. In the future, this picture will change, as restoration work is underway, damaged hotels will be gradually restored, ANEX Tour reports.
Representatives of the tour operator said that now tourists you can rest b in the following hotels (and travel agents, respectively, sell tours in them):
Melia Varadero
Melia Las Americas
Memories Varadero
Iberostar Bella Vista
Ocean Vista Azul
Barcelo Solymar
Arenas Blancas
Starfish Quatro Palmas
Belive Experience Varadero
Belive Las Morlas
Representatives of ANEX Tour note that the damage in these hotels is non-critical and will be repaired within a few days, the repair does not interfere with the rest of tourists: the pool, beach bars, a la carte restaurants, etc. are being restored somewhere. As repairs are completed in other affected hotels, the list will be updated with new objects, so the tour operator asks travel agents to keep in touch with its representatives for up-to-date information.
In other Varadero hotels from the tour operator's range, which were more severely affected by the hurricane and where repairs are underway, ANEX Tour's host specialists are monitoring the development of restoration work. As data is received from them, the tour operator will inform travel agents about the readiness of the infrastructure of these hotels to receive tourists. ANEX Tour emphasizes that tourists will be accommodated only in hotels where conditions for a comfortable stay are created.
For tourists who have purchased tours to hotels where the repair will not be completed at the time of arrival, the tour operator will offer alternative replacement options if closer to the date of arrival it becomes clear that the repair in these hotels is not completed and living in them will be impossible or uncomfortable. Information will be provided to travel agents.
Pegas Touristik also reports on the facts of the resettlement of tourists from hotels damaged by Irma.
“The check-in of tourists is carried out in coordination with our host company. We do not accommodate tourists in hotels with destroyed infrastructure. To all tourists whose booked hotels suffered from a hurricane, other accommodation facilities of a similar star rating are offered, ”explained Anna Podgornaya.
Similar information is given in ICS Travel Group. “From the hotels, which are now undergoing forced repairs, tourists were settled in other hotels of the corresponding category,” the company told Vestnik ATOR.
According to the Ministry of Tourism of Cuba, in Varadero, all hotels in the Melia chain are open and operate normally, with the exception of the Paradisus Varadero, Melia Peninsula Varadero and Royal Service Paradisus Prinncesa del Mar hotels. Of the most serious damage, damage to the dome of the Meliá Varadero hotel is noted. They promise to fix it within a month.
Hotel holding Iberostar announced that almost all hotels in Varadero and Havana have returned to normal operation. Currently, only Iberostar Alameda and Habana Riviera by Iberostar are closed for emergency repairs.
As the Minister of Tourism of Cuba, Manuel Marrero Cruz, stressed, "there is no disaster in hotels in Cuba." According to him, tour operators of some countries, for example, Canada, from where the most a large number of tourists, launch flight programs to Cuban destinations this Friday.
WHAT WITH FLIGHT PROGRAMS TO CUBA
On this moment Varadero airport, where the flight programs of tour operators are carried out, operates as usual. Flight programs tour operators are also normalizing. The first export flight of ANEX Tour has already taken place, on the 20th the next flight from Moscow is scheduled.
ANEX Tour clarifies that the next arrival of tourists from Moscow to Varadero is scheduled for September 20. At the same time, those tourists who were supposed to fly from Varadero to Russia on the 23rd will fly home on September 20 - their vacation will be shortened due to the cancellation of the flight. For unused days of hotel stay, tourists will be compensated through their travel agencies. There are few cancellations of already implemented tours to Cuba.
PegasTouristik last flight was completed on September 8, the next - in ten days - will be completed according to plan. Now there are 277 tourists of the tour operator on Varadero. Almost all of them take off on a return flight, new vacationers arrive.
According to Anna Podgornaya, there are practically no requests for cancellations from tourists, just as there are no people who want to cancel tours to Cuba and buy a ticket to another country. “Tourists follow the reports and the weather and decide to fly on vacation,” says Ms. Podgornaya.
ICS Travel Group had 25 tourists in Cuba at the time of the hurricane. On Wednesday, September 13, tourists left the island, whose vacation ended on September 9, 10 and 11. Other clients of the company continue their vacation on Varadero. The company had only 3 cancellations from tourists who were afraid to fly to Cuba. “Life at the resort is gradually recovering, there is no reason to cancel a trip to Cuba. The Cuban side is working very quickly, paying the necessary attention to all tourists,” the company notes.
Regular flights to Havana and Varadero also operate as usual. Aeroflot resumed daily flights in Havana from 12 September.
A natural disaster covered the capital of Cuba with powerful winds of 60 km / h with gusts up to 121 km / h and showers. The height of the waves in some places of the island reached six to nine meters. Flights cancelled, tourists evacuated. Our compatriots were also at the center of events. They say about themselves: lucky. Because in the most amazing way they managed to get a lot of impressions and safely return to their homeland. And 11 days spent in Cuba became an amazing page in their lives.
Sep 6, 2017 at 4:38 PDT
Director of external relations JSC KTC Metallokonstruktiya Ekaterina Nevidimova planned her vacation in advance. More than a month went to the travel agency. But where to fly - I decided unexpectedly for myself.
It turned out quite funny: I came to Rostur and said that I needed Türkiye. Although I did not want to fly there at all. And when the travel agent asked, “Well, are we watching Turkey?” I suddenly replied, “No! Let's Cuba!
Katya decided on the place right away - Varadero. This amazing beaches Cuba - Atlantic Ocean, shallow water, sand.
The hotel was chosen from the photo. I immediately dismissed all five-star ones, because they are all rather boring: huge buildings and no soul. And I needed to go out, see, the soul turned around and did not turn around until the end of the tour, - the traveler smiles. - As a result, I settled on the Kawama Hotel, which does not have five stars, but is located directly opposite Florida and is located in the coastal zone of magnificent beauty.
This season, as it turned out, prices for trips to Cuba are quite affordable, and by the end of August they have dropped significantly in price.
We looked at departure options: on August 19 and August 29. The last date was cheaper by a very decent amount. All inclusive in Turkey is even more expensive in some cases, it takes chic hotel rooms, a variety of food and crazy entertainment. But Cuba is different. Cuba is a penniless soul.
Without a penny for the soul ...
Poverty, no matter how sad it may sound, is the very word that characterizes Cuba perfectly. About how strikingly different the life of the islanders, Katya was convinced in the very first days of rest.
There is nothing in stores in Cuba but rum, cigars, coffee, chips, corn sticks, cola and water. There are big problems with detergents. Prices for tourists are very high, for locals - very different. They have food coupons. For example, the guide said that the norm of meat and sausage per person per month is 250 gr. They constantly eat rice and beans, they love this food very much, they either cook everything separately and mix it, or all together at once. Each of these types of cooking has a separate name even. And, as I understand it, food supply in Cuba has always been bad.
Tourists, of course, did not buy goods on coupons, but they did not go hungry either. In hotels, even if not five-star, absolutely everything is provided for visitors.
Guests of the island are a source of well-being for the locals. And this applies not only to food, but to the safety of life. This is understood by all Cubans and therefore they are very careful about such a source of income for the country as tourism, its development.
Tourists from Russia, by the way, were the only guests at the hotel. Therefore, they communicated there only in English.
… and heaven for the soul
But the life of the island of freedom, of course, will be remembered by Katya most of all. Ulyanovsk tourists were captivated by the stunning, with beautiful architecture in colonial style fairy tale city of Havana.
The Malecon promenade, which is called the longest bench in Havana - on it locals they like to sit in the evenings, just talking, there are always a lot of lovers here.
And the most vivid impression that will remain for many years is the ocean.
The ocean in Cuba is a paradise for the soul and the eyes. This is one of the most safe countries in terms of harmful animals and plants. On this paradise island solid beauty without the potential threat to life.
Publication from Ekaterina Nevidimova (@katrin_nevidimova)
Sep 4, 2017 at 11:22 PDT
But there is one thing - seasonal hurricanes, storms and tropical downpours. The latter swoop in sharply and pass just as quickly, not having time to even slightly spoil the mood of tourists with their warm streams. Everything dries up very quickly.
But from Monday (September 4 - author's note), strange things began to be noticed: a dolphin swam, then for several days in a row at 16.15 an electric stingray sailed exactly to the beach, needlefish swam near the shore, there were a lot of fish in general in the water near the shore began to scurry. On Thursday, flowers, small bananas and agave washed up on the shore - we connected this with a hurricane in Miami.
Publication from Ekaterina Nevidimova (@katrin_nevidimova)
Sep 7 2017 at 4:22 PDT
Without panic, but with excitement
In general, they started talking about the storm from the beginning of the week. At the reception they posted reports on the movement of "Irma" and "Jose". On Thursday, all windows in the hotel were sealed with tape. On the beach, the work of lifeguards, police and hotel security has been stepped up. Tracking the trajectory of the Irma, they were waiting for her attacks from the morning of September 8 and beyond. Each downpour with thunder and wind caused a vague premonition of impending disaster.
But both workers and vacationers at the hotel did not panic. Although, of course, the excitement of those around was felt, people followed the news.
It was scary, it's true, - Ekaterina admits. - Because everyone is defenseless before the elements. Relatives in Ulyanovsk went completely crazy with excitement. And we just tried not to panic. Once we even somehow sat on a swing after dinner with a girl from Moscow and examined the buildings around, planned our actions in case Irma arrived. We tried to assess the strength of the buildings on the territory and determine the load-bearing structures in our houses.
But until Friday, nature protected this beautiful land. On September 8, Ekaterina packed her bags - the holidays were over.
Our plane was delayed for 2 hours. Why - we do not know. But during this time it began to rain twice, and the clouds thickened to blackness. Then they announced the landing on our Boeing. By the way, before taking us to Russia, he brought a new batch of Russians to Varadero... That was strange. Because the situation there was tense, the media wrote about the evacuation, and here - more than 300 new vacationers came to the very hell.
On Friday, but after Katya's departure, the tourists were evacuated from the hotel. All flights to Moscow, starting from Saturday, have been postponed…
Now Katya is already in her native Ulyanovsk. Relatives are happy that the vacation ended well, the traveler herself enjoys numerous photos and memories.
I really remember the words of the guide Jesus. He studied at one time in the USSR as a pilot, met his wife here, who studied at a pedagogical university. And then he returned to Cuba. During the tour, he said: “Thank you, friends, to your country for your support, without you we would not have lasted a single day in the struggle for freedom” ... I hope Irma will spare Cuba and its extraordinary people who know how to do everything from birth dance salsa and bachata, know a lot about rum no worse than real pirates and are always in good location spirit... Maybe because the favorite incendiary melody sounds in the head of a real Cuban even when he is just walking down the street. No passaran! Viva la Cuba - They will not pass. Long live Cuba. The slogan of the Cuban revolution is now relevant - but as if addressed to the hostile forces of nature.
Publication from Ekaterina Nevidimova (@katrin_nevidimova)
Sep 9 2017 at 3:48 PDT
Reference:
Hurricane Irma is already being called the most powerful hurricane in the Atlantic Ocean region in at least the last decade. More than 20 people have become victims in the Caribbean region. About 200 Russian tourists were evacuated from the zone of activity of Hurricane Irma in Cuba. At the moment, his influence is already being felt in the state of Florida.
Victoria Memetova,
Photo from the personal archive of Ekaterina Nevidimova
I propose to continue the topic "Hurricane Irma"
Re:
Well done Iris!
READ - long messages, but very informative! Read the last paragraph. Still thanks to Sandy Beach for sharing!
Interesting information about the state of the hotel - I did an automatic translation of the line provided by Sandy Beach, but I think the key is still very clear (thank you!). Note that some of the information regarding the condition of the roads seems to have already come from the conclusions drawn by the journalist.
HAVANA TIMES - The travel agent has set a comprehensive report today on the status of hotel facilities on the Varadero peninsula. Here we publish our translation of his informal report published in Spanish by Travel Advisor.
Detailed travel agent report on site
Hi all.
I will share information about Cuba:
Here is the status of Varadero's Cuban destination after Hurricane Irma.
Varadero succumbed to Irma in an unimaginable way. The hurricane is not expected to have major impact on this destination, but the devastation of Irma can be compared to the devastation from Hurricane Ike that devastated the Holguin area several years ago.
The Varadero airport roads in the hotel area are almost completely blocked by debris, fallen trees and fallen electricity poles making it a virtually inaccessible area at the moment.
The nearest Ocean Road is also choked with rocks, sand, debris and trees. It's almost impossible to see the road and we estimate that it will take several days of work to remove all debris blocking the road.
Varadero airport is closed. Today we couldn't get to the airport because the road is completely blocked by debris and trees. An inspection visit will be tempted tomorrow to assess the damage, but according to information provided by the authorities, the airport is not supposed to reopen tomorrow.
In the city of Varadero, you can see structural damage in residential areas and shopping malls. First Avenue and other major avenues also had debris, fallen trees, electric poles and fallen wires. Currently, this is not considered a transit safe area.
Havana Airport is closed until further notice. [Later, he revisits Tuesday afternoon]
A summary of the general situation of hotels in the Varadero area after the check is carried out today by our colleagues Destino.
· Access to some hotels is blocked by trees and debris.
· Restoration and cleanup work has begun in hotels, not on roads and resort areas.
· Hotels do not have regular electricity. Most of them run on backup generators.
· Telephone and Internet - the service is not available.
· Cell phones work in some areas, but the signal is not working properly.
Restoration of work has begun, but currently priority authorities is to conduct a comprehensive assessment of damage.
· Most guests in their rooms and all people are asked to stay away from beach areas and areas affected by the hurricane.
· In most hotels, meals are taken from the room. In other hotels, it was possible to open a restaurant where food service is offered.
Summary of inspection visits to hotels in the area
Blau Marina Varadero - The hotel evacuated its guests yesterday morning. The hotel was seriously damaged due to its very open location, as it is at the very end of the peninsula. The main building suffered serious damage (roof, glass doors, etc.). Structural damage could be presented in the building's hall. The beach was undermined by the waves.
Melia Marina Varadero - Some rooms have broken windows and damage to the balconies, but the most damage can be seen in the public areas of the hotel, especially in the lobby. The hotel is located on a hill, so there is minimal wind protection.
Great Memories Varadero - The hotel was damaged due to gusts of wind. The lobby will require restoration work and this is one of the hotels that suffered significant damage to roofing and common areas such as gardens and pools. According to CEO reports, about 40 rooms were damaged and windows were broken. In general, there is no major structural damage and damage is considered moderate. Access to the beach is essentially blocked.
Memories Varadero - The hotel is in generally good condition. Restoration work will be needed in corridors, public areas and in some rooms on upper floors where the roof is leaking can only be restored by replacing the roof in its entirety. The hotel has a lobby bar open with no booze at this time. restoration work is carried out quickly by the hotel staff to restore regular as soon as possible.
Paradisus Varadero - The hotel suffered extensive damage. Ceilings have been destroyed in some structures in the family's concierge area, and will require significant investment to restore. Main building was also destroyed; New restaurant built near the beach collapsed.
Royalton Hicacos - This is another hotel that has suffered extensive damage. The beach area was undermined by the waves. The restaurant on the beach also suffered extensive damage. Main area Buffet very exposed, so there was serious damage, especially on the roof. You can see a lot of rubbish in the area. Broke a window in the Caribeño restaurant. The area of the room does not appear to have major damage.
Iberostar Varadero - The hotel was badly damaged. Some of the thatched roof palapas have disappeared. The theater was partially destroyed. The palapa roof was also destroyed in some parts. The Palapas around the pool have been destroyed and there is rubbish in the area.
Be Live Turquesa - The hotel has been evacuated so it is not possible to perform a full check.
Playa de Oro - You can see broken windows in several rooms. The pool was very touched and the lobby also has wonderful damage. The disco area is part of the folded roof. Trees fell in developed areas. Operates a restaurant and provides catering services.
ROC Arenas Doradas - The hotel seemed to be well maintained. Some air conditioners were ripped off the walls, but light damage could be repaired relatively quickly.
Melia Las Antillas - The hotel is generally in good condition and without major damage to its structures.
Blau Varadero - The hotel has a very solid structure, but being big building, it still takes damage when the hurricane hits the area. The lobby was in good condition, but the room on the upper floors could be damaged.
Starfish Varadero - The hotel is generally in good condition. Lobby without significant damage.
Brisas del Carib - The rooms were badly damaged. During the inspection trip, you can see many tourists waiting to change the room due to leaks in the ceilings and broken windows. The lobby was also damaged.
Iberostar Laguna Azul - The hotel is located on a hill, but it has not suffered serious damage due to its open space. It may be noted partial damage on the roof of the restaurant in the beach area, some Palapas were destroyed.
Starfish Cuatro Palmas - the hotel was evacuated. Some structural damage can be observed mainly in the ceilings of some buildings. It was not possible to do the full tour as no staff members were found on the property.
IN in general terms, this is what can be observed in visits today. Tomorrow, inspections will be carried out to assess the extent of the damage. Today the priority was to contact Destino customers and make sure they are safe.
We currently know that flights here have been canceled for the next week, which is considered natural given the extent of the damage in the region.
From what can be seen in inspections today, hotel recovery times are estimated to range from a few weeks to several months for the most affected hotels. The current priority is to restore electricity, water and telecommunications
On northern part Cuba was hit by hurricane Irma, which came from Sargasso Sea. The wind, reaching a force of 200 km per hour, uprooted trees and tore off the roofs of houses. Damaged many hotels on the beaches of the island. A large-scale evacuation was carried out along the coast.
There are disruptions across the country cellular communication. At least one bridge and several communications towers are reported to have collapsed. Dozens of coastal cities are damaged. No deaths were reported.
In the fishing town of Caibarien covered houses giant wave, after which all the streets and buildings were covered with viscous mud and algae. The capital of the country was also under attack from the elements. From central regions About 10,000 people were evacuated from Havana due to the danger of severe flooding.
“Honestly, I expected more. I think I can fix the roof. But this will only happen when the water leaves the house, the level reaches a meter,” said Yolexis Domingo, 39, wielding a huge machete to chop down a tree that fell on his house.
“The trees in the park in front of my house are broken, the streets are also littered with trees. Most of the roofs have been torn off, some houses have been completely destroyed, the river that runs through the city is about to burst its banks,” said Anaida Morales, a resident of the city of Kamagey.
The hurricane is forecast to head towards Florida in the evening. Squally gusts of wind and life-threatening storm seas were recorded on the islands and on the southern mainland of Florida, Interfax reports.
Earlier, Governor Rick Scott ordered 6.3 million people to evacuate. In a recent message for those who have not left the most dangerous areas, he advised them to stay where they were, as it was too late to evacuate.
“Hurricane Irma is moving towards the state of Florida in the United States, where there is an active evacuation of the population - mainly coastal zone. Due to unfavorable weather conditions, Saturday flights from Moscow to Miami have been cancelled," the American meteorological service said in a statement.
It is known that when the Irma passes through the territory american state Florida without electricity can remain at the same time 3.4 million residents of the state.
“We believe that this could be the most difficult for us to restore the supply of electricity in the history of the United States,” said energy officials.
The Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) will temporarily suspend operations and close two nuclear power plants (NPPs) in Florida. Closed for two days major center Disney World entertainment.
However, it is reported that the meteorological situation in Dominican Republic- where the elements raged before - stabilized. Air traffic has been fully restored, airports are operating normally. Tourists temporarily displaced from the coast returned to their hotels.
Earlier, US President Donald Trump held a meeting with members of the government to prepare for the hurricane.
“This is a storm of enormous destructive power, and I ask everyone who is in its path to follow all the instructions of the authorities,” the head of the White House said.
US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Secretary of Defense James Mattis attended the meeting with Trump. Trump also promised to do everything possible to help those affected by the hurricane.
He then declared a state of emergency in the state of Georgia due to the approach of the Irma.
“The Federal Emergency Management Agency is authorized to determine, engage and provide, at its discretion, the equipment and resources necessary to mitigate the consequences of an emergency,” the signed document says.
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey soon declared a state of emergency.
“Alabama must be prepared for the fact that the storm can come to us. We must also be ready to help other states. I am in constant contact with the rescue team to control any potential threat. In this regard, I declare a state of emergency,” she said.
Storm Irma formed in Atlantic Ocean. It became the first powerful cyclone in the eastern part of the ocean since Hurricane Julia, which raged in 2010, and the second major Atlantic storm since early 2017.
