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travel
news review
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5
October '98
The Caribbean islands continue to assess damage left in the wake of Hurricane
Georges, hoping to get everything back in business in time for the high
travel season, December-April. Most of the islands now have water, power
and phones back in operation and roads have been cleared, but many people
still lack housing, and food is scarce in some areas. If you have plans
to travel to this region before December, check on conditions before your
departure. Most of the islands have tourist boards in the USA that can
provide updates, and Puerto Rico has a hurricane hotline at 888-858-9582.
The hardest hit islands were Puerto Rico, St Kitts/Nevis and Dominican
Republic.
On the up side, American Airlines is offering some bargain fares to
the islands. The specials are intended for friends and relatives wishing
to go to the aid of those affected by Georges. The fares are one way and
all travel must be completed by 31 October.
23 September '98
Hurricane Georges is pounding the Caribbean. He's battered Antigua, Montserrat,
St. Kitts & Nevis, Saint Eustatius, Saba and the Virgin Islands with 130mph
(210kph) winds, and killed at least six people on Puerto Rico and three
in the Leewards. In the Dominican Republic, he's tossed telephone poles
and tin roofs all over the eastern end of the island. Georges' eye passed
just north of Santo Domingo and was expected to hit Haiti later in the
day.
Travellers should be aware that electricity and phone services on these
islands are unreliable at best, medical facilities are overburdened and
drinking water is scarce and likely to be contaminated. Landslides and
flooding are constant dangers, and transportation may be difficult or
impossible to obtain.
The Dominican Republic, Haiti, eastern Cuba, the Turks & Caicos and
the southern and central Bahamas are all subject to hurricane warnings.
Georges is headed straight for Miami. Tourists have been evacuated from
the Florida Keys, and the southeastern coast of Florida is bracing for
the worst
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