The embassies of the United States and Canada in Havana announced in the last few hours that they would suspend their work due to the proximity of tropical storm Idalia, which threatens to become a hurricane and affect the west of the Island.
Through their social networks, the diplomatic offices issued statements in which they warned the island’s population about said suspension of consular services.
“Due to the proximity of Tropical Storm Idalia, the US Embassy will close at 3:00 p.m. this Monday, August 28, and will remain closed on Tuesday, August 29. All appointments for these dates have been cancelled. Embassy workers will communicate to reschedule appointments. Additional announcements on the subject will be published when necessary”, indicated the North American authorities during the morning of this Monday.
🧵1/2 Attention: Due to the proximity of Tropical Storm Idalia, the US Embassy will close at 3:00 p.m. this Monday, August 28, and will remain closed on Tuesday, August 29.
All US Embassy appointments for Tuesday, August 29, have been…
— Embassy of the United States in Cuba (@USEmbCuba) August 28, 2023
Similarly, the US Department of State (DOS) advised US citizens on the Island to stay away from the beaches and coasts in the region.
The US government also urged them to stay in safe places while the storm receded, warning that one of the main dangers in the area was flooding.
The Embassy of Canada in Cuba indicated that its cessation of activities would also take place from 3:00 pm, and that they would remain closed throughout Tuesday the 29th, resuming work until Wednesday.
“As a precaution given the weather conditions caused by tropical storm Idalia, the Canadian Embassy suspends its activities from 3:00 pm on Monday, August 28 and will remain closed on Tuesday, August 29. The doors will reopen on Wednesday, August 30.”
⚠️As a precaution given the weather conditions due to the tropical storm #Idalia, the Embassy of 🇨🇦 suspends its activities from 3pm on Monday, August 28 and will remain closed on Tuesday, August 29. The doors will reopen on Wednesday, August 30.
— Canada in Cuba (@EmbCanCuba) August 28, 2023
Because of Idalia, the National General Staff of the Cuban Civil Defense decreed a Cyclonic Alert phase for the western provinces of the country, specifically Pinar del Río, Artemisa and the special municipality of Isla de la Juventud.
The proximity of this phenomenon, as well as the fact that it could become a hurricane in the following hours, has also meant that the territories of Mayabeque and Havana remain in the information phase.
