Reported Sunday, October 23: One month and one week ago this morning, Baja Weather Service predicted the impending, inevitable disaster in Southern Baja. During this past week, BajaRacingNews.com has provided Baja Safari a space to obtain updated, often real-time information.
Now is the time to re-build and re-experience the Cape of Baja South! "The Friends Of Old Cabo" announced on Monday, September 22, a new way to experience adventure. A new way to recreate for the future! At 4PM on OFF-ROAD LIVE! you'll discover a new way to give, in Baja Mexico. Gary Newsome, Editor
The Party In Cabo Has Changed, Find Out On Monday
SITUATION REPORTS
Thursday, October 2
Reality Vs. Perception
Damage to perceptions of the Los Cabos destinations' readiness to receive guests is the greatest threat to local citizens overcoming lack of long term water, food and housing.
Wind caused the largest share of Odile's damages at Los Cabos. The event knocked out all utilities. The area now suffers from some structural damage. The beaches survived intact, the main pier and airport are structurally sound, and many shops, stores and restaurants are already back in business.
Sadly, the newly built piers at San Jose, will need to be rebuilt. The Transpeninsular Highway, south of Las Cuevas will need to be rebuilt. Desalination plants are being replaced at this moment. More structural reconstruction will be reported here, on BajaRacingNews.com
Hotels have been warned not to delay reconstruction of properties in anticipation of collecting business-interruption insurance payments, citing that those who did that in 2005 after Hurricane Wilma hit Cancun recovered more slowly than those who moved quickly.
To reassure airlines that demand will be restored quickly to prevent aircraft from being reassigned away from the destination, Fernando Bosque, director of airport operator Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacifico, said that Delta, Southwest, Virgin America and Spirit will restart service from some markets on or within a day or two of Oct. 8, when the airport reopens to commercial traffic.
The local hotel association issued forecasts showing that, of the 12,000 rooms in inventory, 5,103 would be open by Oct. 15. The number would move up to 6,500 by Nov. 1; 7,225 by Nov. 15; and fully operational by Dec. 20.
OPEN HOTELS
Bahia Hotel and Beach Club
Best Western Aeropuerto
Hotel Suites Las Palmas
Holiday Inn Express Los Cabos
Quinta del Sol
Cabo Villas Beach Resort & Spa
OCTOBER
1st Pueblo Bonito Los Cabos Resort
1st Villa Del Arco Beach Resort & Spa
1st Villa Del Palmar Beach, Resort & Spa
1st Villa La Estancia Beach, Resort & Spa
1st Wyndham Cabo San Lucas
6th Pueblo Bonito Rosé Resort & Spa
8th Casa Dorada at Medano Beach
8th Montecristo Estates by Pueblo Bonito
8th Pueblo Bonito Pacifica Holistic Retreat & Spa
9th Riu Palace Los Cabos
11th Grand Solmar Land’s End Resort & Spa
11th Hacienda Encantada Resort & Spa
11th Marina Fiesta Rsort & Spa
11th Playa Grande Resort & Grand Spa
11th The Ridge at Playa Grande
11th Solmar Resort
12th Los Cabos Golf Resort at Country Club
13th Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach Resort & Spa
15th Hacienda Beach Club and Residences
15th Tropicana Inn
16th Posada Real Los Cabos
16th Riu Santa Fe
NOVEMBER
1st Bel Air Collection Resort & Spa Los Cabos
1st Sandos Finisterra
1st Royal Solaris Los Cabos
1st Sheraton Hacienda del Mar Resort & Spa
3rd Barcelo Grand Faro Los Cabos
5th Marbella Suites en la Playa
15th Esperanza an Auberge Resort
15th Fiesta Americana Grand Los Cabos
15th Secrets Marquis Los Cabos
15th Secrets Puerto Los Cabos
20th Decameron All Inclusive Resort
DECEMBER
1st Holiday Inn Resort Los Cabos
15th One & Only Palmilla
JANUARY
Sirena del Mar Welk Resorts
Melia Cabo Real All Inclusive Resort
Cabo Azul Resort & Spa
FEBRUARY
Me by Melia Cabo
JULY
Hyatt Place Los Cabos
STILL WAITING FOR CONFIRMED DATES FROM:
Capella Pedregal Los Cabos
Dreams Los Cabos Suites Golf Resort & Spa
El Ganzo
El Encanto Inn
Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos
UPDATE September 28
Telephone, Internet and potable water have been fully restored in Cabo San Lucas, and electricity, currently reaching about 35% of the resort town, is on schedule to be 95% restored toward the end of next week, Mexico Tourism Board CEO Rodolfo Lopez-Negrete said in a recent interview.About 3,000 workers from CFE, the national power utility company, have been sent to the area to work on restoring lines.
Cell phone service is fully operational in Cabo San Lucas and Cabo San Jose, but is "sketchy" between those larger towns, Lopez-Negrete said.
Cruise ship tours are currently being rescheduled. The cruise ship terminal and the marina area are both undamaged, Lopez-Negrete said. The Star Princess is scheduled to call in Loreto on Oct. 5 and La Paz on Oct 6. Princess Cruises said the itinerary is under review. Also, Carnival Cruise Lines is reviewing the schedule of the Carnival Miracle.
The area's high-profile upcoming event, the CABO SAFARI Off-Road Tounament at Los Cabos, will take place as planned, in January 2015.
In another indicator of the return of normalcy, the local Walmart and Home Depot have reopened, said Ruben Reachi, secretary of tourism for the state of Baja California Sur.
Lopez-Negrete and Reachi were in town to meet with hoteliers, airline executives, officers of travel agency groups and associations, tour operators and online travel agencies on Thursday evening to discuss a plan of action to aid the destination's recovery.
The federal tourism department and state tourism departmentare concerned that hotel rates may be affected, but believes they don't have to be, saying the destinations hotel industry, will recover more quickly if value-added services are offered rather than rates lowered. "This is not a rate problem," he said."
UPDATE Friday, September 26
Health issues for the locals are now the greatest challenges. Other than the immense rebuilding challenges. 'Dengue Fever' fumigation has begun throughout the state. Standing water and drinking water quality issues threaten everyone on the ground in Baja Sur today.
Moving forward, as the cool breezes from up North make their way south, the cooler temperatures will kill the mosquitos and reduce some of the water borne health threats in Los Cabos. Those breezes won't arrive en masse for another month. So until October 15, widespread anti-dengue spraying (insect killing) and removal of standing water are the primary actions of health officials in the hurricane impact zone.
UPDATE Thursday, September 25
Air operations in La Paz are online. Airlines are expected to announce flight plans next week.Operations at San Jose del Cabo are closed until further notice. This airport, which normally handles most of the tourist operations in southern Baja is now dedicated to rebuilding efforts.
San Lucas regional is open, but heavily restricted.
There are several private, resort based airstrips. STATUS LOADING NEXT>>>
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UPDATE: September 24
From Fulano:
"Odile virtually collapsed the sewage system, filling it with sand and
dirt and destroying lift pumps. It is estimated that 60% of the sewage
system has collapsed. When reading comments from Mexicans on the social
networks, it is very clear that the whole place smells like shit.
Furthermore raw sewage is everywhere and when it dries up, the bacteria
blows into everything. There is no way to stop it from settling on food.
There are many people presenting to the hospitals with gastrointestinal
problems. The ocean water is unsafe and it will be some time until
nature cleans itself. The first thing that has to happen is that raw
sewage has to stop flowing into the ocean.
The damage they show in the news photos at the tourist area pales when
one looks at the shantytowns on (in) Los Cabos. There are thousands of homes
made from (of) plywood and cardboard that were destroyed. These people will
get little help from the government, as they don't own the properties,
they just squat and many are in arroyos and washes where homes should
not be built in the first place. The government is directing its first
efforts on the tourist areas, to get them back into operation. There are
a massive number of federal police and military to keep a lid on the
population. They will not stay there forever.
When they leave, security will be left to the state government, which is
one of the most corrupt and ineffective state governments in Mexico. As
a destination resort city, Los Cabos sells hotel rooms. Their inventory
for sale is a room-night. One room for one night is a room-night. A
substantial percentage of their inventory of room-nights was destroyed.
As a consequence, no matter what else happens, the gross revenues
flowing into Los Cabos will drop significantly. The employment demand
created by that inventory of room-nights will also drop. There is going
to be a huge shortfall of jobs and revenues for a long time to come. It
is inevitable. No amount of charitable donations is going to change
that. There will be a large disruption in the local economy."
Fulano doesn't mention that the system in question never worked in the first place! Remember that 'puddle' in front of Gigglin' Marlin?! Known by locals as the 'CaCa Lago', it was the never ending sewage eruption in the main streets of San Lucas.
When the Baja 1000 finished in San Lucas in '07, Sal was going to hold the 'Award Ceremony' there, at the Gigglin' Marlin. Until Monster Mike mentioned SCORES mistaken plans to the host hotel and they explained to Senor Fish what a disaster it would be, Sal changed his event site to Monster Mikes favorite beach, El Medano de San Lucas.
We are posting thoughts on this subject, today, stay tuned.
###
UPDATED! Tuesday, September 23, 7:30 AM LOCAL
In interviews with resort owners and operators, the executive summary of the destination Los Cabos, is most general operations will be online by January 15, 2015.
Other services may be available prior to January 2015, but the destination as a complete service will not be available until all water, electrical and food support services are operating.
The Baja peninsula is recovering, north to south, quickly. But, the Los Cabos destination has a little less than a billion dollars (US) of rebuilding to accomplish.
As an example, many of the desalination plants of the Los Cabos resorts were destroyed, by flooding. These will be replaced, during this construction period, onsite tourist water resources are unavailable.
###
In interviews conducted this morning, officials at (SJD) San Jose del Cabo International Airport report, "evacuation efforts and all commercial flight operations will be suspended in the next few days to give priority to humanitarian and reconstruction efforts".
"Anyone considering departing from the Los Cabos airport should do so as soon as possible or be prepared to travel to the airport in La Paz...". The road between Los Cabos and La Paz is open (on the Pacific side RTE 19) and fuel is available but cash is required for purchases and few ATM machines are working. "...Flights are leaving from the La Paz airport and additional flights are being added as demand rises".
Local infrastructure in La Paz including roads and restaurants are in good condition. U.S. citizens in La Paz should remain there and not travel to Los Cabos due to functioning infrastructure and good flight options. "...Flights from both the Los Cabos and La Paz airports are primarily to other cities in Mexico, where travelers can book flights to the United States".
U.S. citizens are strongly discouraged from taking Highway 1 (Highway One, the only paved road that connects the entire peninsula) north from Los Cabos to Tijuana for the time-being; while the road is technically "open", it has numerous wash-outs (broken pavement and other obstacles), a gasoline shortage, and other challenges making the journey on this route very dangerous and arduous. Cash is required for purchase (often in pesos) and very few ATM machines are working.
International citizens wishing to provide charitable assistance to victims in Baja South should note that complicated customs and clearance requirements govern such assistance if originating abroad. All charities seeking donations for this disaster have checkered results. Just ask them what % of your donation gets down there. Then, ask them to prove their claims!
Most of your contribution will not get to the people who really need it!
The most efficient way to provide real assistance and disaster relief that makes a difference, is through cash purchases with your local Cabo locals, households, business and service providers. Friends of Old Cabo is directing contributions to the people, families, ranches and communities of your choice.
Contact Today: friendsofoldtown@hotmail.com
# # #
UPDATE, Monday, September 22
"The Mexico airports lease owner and operator, "Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico", informs that the Mexican Bureau of Civil
Aviation (DGAC), the Mexican aeronautical authority, has issued a NOTAM
(Notice to Airmen), in which it has instructed Los Cabos International
Airport (SJD)(“the Airport”), that from the date of the issuance of the
NOTAM until October 8, 2014, to operate solely for official,
humanitarian aid and rescue flights, as well as general aviation
operations.
While the NOTAM
is in force, GAP will dedicate all of its efforts in preparing the
Airport for the re-opening of commercial operations, which are
essential for rebuilding the region’s economy. The first phase,
thereof, will involve the basic re-opening of the terminals as per the
aeronautical authority’s guidelines.
The Company carried out essential tasks to clear the flight areas and
the aprons, immediately after Hurricane Odile moved through the area, in
order to receive aid and facilitate the necessary evacuation; this was
completed in the 12 hours following the hurricane. GAP, in conjunction
with the federal and state authorities, airlines and hotels focused
its resources to the evacuation of visitors and residents from Monday,
September 15 to Friday, September 19, evacuating nearly 25 thousand
passengers with the use of an air bridge provided by national and
international airlines; approximately 480 such air operations took
place.
The tasks that are
scheduled to initiate as per the issuance of this NOTAM, consists of
debris removal and recovery of the facilities, the terminal buildings
and the equipment in order to re-commence basic services by the date
indicated by DGAC. The full recovery of the facilities will take place
gradually, beginning on the date of the NOTAM, and is expected to be
completed prior to November 25, 2014.
The Company reaffirms its commitment to the federal government, the
aeronautical authority and the government of State of Baja California
Sur to re-establish airport services as required by the resident
community and the development of tourism in the region."
UPDATE, SUNDAY, September 21 4 PM Cabo Time
***American Airlines has cancelled all flights into Cabo until at least September 30***
***Frontier Airlines has cancelled all flights into Cabo until October 25***
***U.S. Air, United, Delta, Virgin America, West Jet, and AeroMexico Airlines are anticipating tourist travel the first week of October.***
***The Juan Maria de Salvatierra Hospital has resumed normal operations. Clinics in La Paz are also operating normally. Authorities have been spraying for dengue and no report of disease issues, at this time***
***Report from the Airport Operator Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico
"SJD's runway, taxiways, and aprons were quickly repaired to accommodate the humanitarian flights (inbound with relief supplies, outbound with tourists being evacuated), and cleanup efforts are currently underway to facilitate resumption of regular commercial ops.Both of the terminals handling commercial flights at SJD - the older Terminal 1 and newer Terminal 2 - suffered extensive damage and will require several more days to become operational again. We expect the airport to reopen to regular commercial service "within...approximately 10 days", which puts the official expected reopening date of SJD at Saturday, September 27th."
The Los Cabos community at large, may take months - and in some cases years - to return to normal. Just about everything needs to be extensively repaired, from devastated hotels to grocery stores and other businesses that were heavily looted and now need to be resupplied.
Of course, Cabo will no doubt fully recover from this disaster in time, just as Cancun did after Hurricane Wilma. Cancun in 2006, took 5 months to recover after a similarly destructive hurricane, and it was clear that the city had made painstaking efforts to have as many businesses (hotels, restaurants, clubs, attractions, etc.) reopened for the seasonal crush of American tourists as possible.
Cabo may be getting back to normal by the Thanksgiving/Christmas holidays and more or less back in full swing by Spring Break, 2015.
OFFICIAL DEATH NOTICES POSTED (5)
From the Attorney Generals Office in La Paz, three people died crossing streams. Two in Santa Rosalia and one in San Jose del Cabo.
The confirmed fatality involving Boleo personnel.
Tragically, Mr. Kyoung Jin Park, Chief Operating Officer of MMB, was
drowned in the town of Santa Rosalia, located adjacent to the Boleo Project, by
a flash flood attributable to heavy rains from the storm. In addition, Mr. Sung
Keun Chai, Chief Executive Officer of MMB, who is thought to have been with Mr.
Park at the time of the incident, is currently missing. Baja has been advised
that the Mexican authorities continue their search for Mr. Chai. The leadership
of these two executives has been important in advancing the Boleo Project, and
Mr. Park, and Mr. Chai, if confirmed deceased, will be greatly missed.
*At the Santa Rosa crossing, a local man, in a Ford Ranger attempted to cross the San Jose streambed crossing Highway 1 and was dragged downstream, he drowned.
*Simone Wood, 48 was found dead in La Paz Bay, at El Mogote. Paul Witehouse and the vessel 'Tabasco II' continues to be missing.
*Local fixture and long-time" Friday Radio Net host" and Christmas Story reader Gunther Trebbow was lost in the storm when his boat "Princess" was blown from the Magote anchorage about 2AM. Gunther's health had been failing for the last year or so and after trying to save his holed vessel he was too weak to make it to shore.
*From a US Press Report:
"CHICAGO AREA WOMAN'S FATHER DIES ON FLIGHT OUT OF LOS CABOS
A Chicago woman's father died on one of those flights, and her mother's return to O'Hare on Thursday was bittersweet. Marie
Milligan finally arrived to the U.S. after surviving Hurricane Odile in
Mexico, but she returned without her husband of 45 years. Robert Milligan also survived the storm, but the strain after being
evacuated appears to have taken a devastating toll. Milligan said her
husband went into the cardiac arrest on the plane to Mexico City and
could not be revived. "Fortunately our plane had a cardiologist,
two nurses, and a paramedic. And so they all rushed up to help, and
they did CPR, and they did the paddles. But they just couldn't bring him
back," said Milligan.
Marie Milligan says the problems began trying to get to the airport. We
had to wait outside for about five hours, in like 95-degree weather,
maybe, it was humid, very hot. Old men were passing out," said Milligan.
Milligan says there were not enough people to help the stranded tourists and misinformation created even more stress. "So all these people madly rushed over to another building and they were crushing, pushing," said Milligan."
Over 1 BILLION DOLLARS OF DAMAGE!
12 Billion Pesos (12 mil millones de pesos) estimated total damages by the *Asociación Mexicana de Instituciones de Seguros.
*"Institute of Mexican Insurance Companies"
Baja South and Los Cabos Rebuild Reports:
Los Cabos Int'l Airport (SJD)Reopen:
Estimated: September 27
Cabo San Lucas Airport (CSL) Reopen:
Estimated: October 10
POWER REBUILD REPORT:
" It has restored electric service to 80% of users in the northern part of Baja California Sur and 70% of the area of La Paz.
· The CFE provides care to priority services through emergency plants in Los Cabos.
· The Los Cabos area is restored electric service partial and gradual way in some neighborhoods and tourist areas.
As
a result of coordinated efforts by the impact of Hurricane "Odile" in
Baja California Sur (BCS), the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) has
recovered 80% of the electricity service in the northern part of the
state. In the area of La Paz, the restoration has reached 70% of users.
In the Los Cabos area already has electricity, partially, in some neighborhoods and tourist areas.
In total, in the state of BCS has reached 45% recovery of electricity service.
While progress continues on the restoration of the electrical infrastructure in the area of Los Cabos, the CFE provides care to priority services like airport, hospitals, shelters and water treatment plants through plant emergency.
To date, in Baja California Sur, we have a total of 200 plants emergency generation capacity from 4 to 500 kilowatts. Of those plants, 34 belong to the Division Baja California and 166 were sent to the entity and are being installed in the priority areas affected."
Water Restored: Sunday or Monday (Already Partially Restored)
Phone Restored: Completed
Internet Restored: Completed
Garbage Pick-Up: Resumed
Many Hotels Reopening: October 1 through October 15
General Observations
Things are coming
back together faster than we ever thought possible. A few
neighborhoods have power, gas stations are open and without
queues. Banks will open Monday. The army are doing a
sensational job of cleaning up and getting food and water to
people in need, though not all areas have been taken care of
yet. Community kitchens have opened up in several areas.
Evacuation
Update
Within 36 hours of the storm, the Los
Cabos Airport was back in operation for non-commercial
flights. The military, later joined by commercial
airlines from the USA, Canada and Mexico, began evacuating
the remaining tourists on Tuesday, September 16. All
tourists that want to be evacuated are now on their way
home. Some (bless their hearts) are staying behind to
help and show support.
Confirmed Departures:
Tuesday Sept. 16: 5,000
Wednesday Sept. 17: 6,000
Thursday, Sept. 18: 8,000
Friday, Sept. 19: 8,000
Saturday, Sept. 20: The Remainder
Wednesday Sept. 17: 6,000
Thursday, Sept. 18: 8,000
Friday, Sept. 19: 8,000
Saturday, Sept. 20: The Remainder
Airport
Update
The Los Cabos International Airport (SJD)
did not suffer any infrastructure damage, but there was
damage to the terminals and to the control tower. The
airport was open for about a week for humanitarian flights,
but now closed again to focus on repair. It
is projected to open again for normal traffic by
approximately September 26, 2014. The smaller Cabo San
Lucas Airport did suffer significant damage and is expected
to reopen by October 10, 2014.
Utility
Update
Nearly 1,000 workers are working
feverishly to restore power and water to the Los Cabos area.
At this time, 80% of the power in Northern Baja
California Sur has been restored, and about 60% of
the power in La Paz. The power in Los Cabos is more
challenging as about 800 power poles need to be reset.
Early estimates of 2-3 weeks seem to have been overstated,
as power has already been restored to 45% of Los Cabos.
Telmex has restored telecommunications
(telephone, internet) to 100% of the area and no more lines
at the gas stations.
Some water has been restored to Cabo -
about 270 ml/s to San Jose del Cabo and about 200 ml/s to
Cabo San Lucas. They are testing the desalination
plant and expect full water recovery by Sunday or Monday.
A very welcome thing indeed.
Security
Update
After a couple of days of much publicized
looting of stores, official sources and reports from the
ground agree that things are now
under control and the over 1000 military units are now
keeping the peace. The government says that rumors of
a jailbreak were not true.
Business
Update
Baja Cantina Marina and Cabo Cantina are
open for business with food and cold drinks available.
Beach vendors have been being spotted again. The East
Cape area was largely unaffected and those businesses are
running as normal. La Paz is also largely back to
normal operations.
Saturday, September 20 UPDATE:
FEDERAL REVIEW; Regional Food Distribution
- Review with the Secretaries of Finance, Ildefonso Guajardo Villarreal; and SEDESOL, Rosario Robles Berlanga.
- The Mexico Minister of Tourism toured Mulege with Marcos Covarrubias Villaseñor Governor of Baja South.
Impacted Town Tour
Later, he moved to the town of Loreto, where he held a Review Meeting with Mayor Jorge Avilés, where he also attended the Directors General of the Federal Electricity Commission, Enrique Ochoa; FONATUR and Hector Barraza Gómez.
When finished, he went to the town of Mulege which toured and Evaluation Meeting with State Governor Marcos Covarrubias Villaseñor; and the mayor Guillermo Santillan Meza. The meeting was also attended by the Director of CNA, David Korenfeld; Federal Electricity Commission, Enrique Ochoa; FONATUR and Hector Barraza Gómez.
-------------------------------------------
Saturday, September 20: Federal Review; REGIONAL AIR TRANSPORTATION CENTERS
Los Cabos International (SJD)
San Jose Del Cabo airport remains closed until further notice. Reports still suggest that it will this will be the case until at least September 22, possibly longer, October 14 has been mentioned. As reported, there have been people evacuated out of the area on military aircraft and private jets, but SJD remains closed to public-commercial flights.Cabo San Lucas Regional
Open to 'special flight operations' and Military
Aid flight and Special Evacuees permission requests: send email to: friendsofoldtown@hotmail.com
La Paz Airport (LPB)
The La Paz airport (El Alto), located 8 miles to the southwest of the Baja's capital, is now open with flights going in and out (with some delays). Airlines operating there today include American Airlines, US Airways, BoA and Amaszonas.Loreto Airport (LTO)
Loreto airport which serves flights by Horizon Air, Alaska Airlines and Aeromexico to and from Los Angeles is located further north on the east coast of the Baja California Sur peninsula. Loreto's status is that it is open and operational accepting both inbound and outbound flights though when we checked on scheduled arrivals, some flights are showing as 'cancelled'.BajaRacingNews.com ONGOING COVERAGE
Numerous Broken Roads Preclude Ground Travel
 |
| The Cape of Baja South is isolated now at many chokepoints. Road travel is hazardous, while boating around these chokepoints is the old-school way of getting around local hurricane damages. BajaRacingNews.com |
CLICKY HERE! Interview with Paul,
Odile Survivor and Angie Everheart, Celebrity Ho in Cabo>>>
NATIONAL EMERGENCY COMMITTEE MOVES TO STABILIZE BAJA SOUTH
UPDATE! September 20, 2014
FIRST REPORTED September 19:
The National Coordination of Civil Protection of the Ministry of the Interior reports updating the actions taken by the National Emergency Committee, composed of federal agencies and civil society organizations, permanently installed at the National Center for Disaster Prevention, starting from the 14th of September this year.
During the five-day session has coordinated relief efforts for the people of the municipalities of the state of Baja California Sur affected by Hurricane "Odile".
The National Emergency Committee reports updating actions by government agencies and civil society organizations that comprise the committee:
National Emergency Committee at work in Los Cabos
Airports:
· Airport Cabo San Lucas Regional : Closed for operations.
· Airport San Jose del Cabo: Opera 24:00.
• La Paz airport: Trading 100 percent.
Commercial airlines have standardized their flight operations and to continue to support humanitarian flights.
The access to the airport will continue to do cleaning work.
• Airport Loreto: In normal operation.
Roads:
Federal Highway Network Toll Free is affected 90 percent of the vertical signaling.
• La Paz - San Pedro intersection.
Operating section 100 percent.
Silt and isolated landslides, debris removal and cleaning in the process are presented. It does not affect the circulation.
• 'The Barrels Entronque San Pedro - San José del Cabo.
At km 65, the bridge is Caduaño collapsed under construction detour provisional, tonight is to conclude; it has a tractor, a forming motorcycle and four dump trucks.
From km 103 to 115 (Sierra La Laguna) isolated landslides affecting partial circulation are present, removal jobs are conducted with 45 older machines and 17 dump trucks.
At km 38, the ford The Sacatal (urban area of San Jose del Cabo) presents considerable, affecting same silt partially circulation; working on cleaning that conclude today.
• San Pedro Junction - All Saints-Cabo San Lucas
Without cutting circulation.
At km 35, La Muela bridge (access to La Campana) damage to the bridge access without cutting circulation, repair is considered later.
At km 79, in the town of Elias Calles, cut circulation occurs in the body B by landslide in operation A. body intends to complete the work a temporary filling on Thursday 18 September.
At km 120, 121 landslides over the shoulder which do not affect the flow are presented.
• Cabo San Lucas - San Jose del Cabo
Restored circulation.
At km 36, in Santa Rosa ford (urban area of San Jose del Cabo) presents considerable, affecting same silt partially circulation; working on cleaning that conclude today.
• Tranche Santa Rosalia - Parallel 28 ° (Black Warrior)
Without cutting the circulation
• Tranche Loreto - Santa Rosalia
Without cutting the circulation
Telecommunications:
• Telmex-Telcel.
Red Telmex, reports that it has 100 percent restored its landline service in San Jose del Cabo, Cabo San Lucas, La Paz, Cd. Constitution, Loreto and Santa Rosalia and recovering substantially cell phone (80 percent) .
• Iusacell.
Band 2G running at 80 percent.
2 Ministry of Economy
• The supply has been affected mainly in three locations: the area Cabos, Loreto and Santa Rosalia, where 19 supermarket stores are closed, in most cases derived from looting and damage to property population and furnishings (total destruction). There is possibility to open five stores (subject to inspection visits will be done with the personnel moves). Improvements and enabling spaces for these five stores are estimated between four and seven days, once the conditions have to rehabilitate spaces.
• The restoration of private supply is subject to the rehabilitation of the spaces, so will be asked to ensure the safety of workers and equipment are mobilized for enabling spaces.
• Involvement of SMEs. There is cash flow problem.
• Support to ensure safety Supercenter - Cabo San Lucas Walmart, to obtain it can be reactivated within 72 hours Store as the only cash registers, ceilings and refrigerators. The other three in the chain, can not be opened.
3 Ministry of Education
• 12 Educational services continue to operate as temporary shelters:
La Paz: The Autonomous University of Baja California Sur with 227 people.
Los Cabos: 11 educational Squads with 1,600 people.
• Today's request "Supports Partial Immediate" APIN, through the South Californian Institute of Physical Educational Infrastructure ISIFE (local executor of school facilities) to the General Secretariat of the Government, information will be presented on September 18, which below will be submitted to the Interior Ministry via Fonden.
• Damage assessment:
La Paz was initiated by civil engineers certified by INIFED (external technical support).
Comondú: the transfer of personnel to initiate damage assessment work was initiated.
Los Cabos: There are still conditions to initiate damage assessment
Mulege: Working with damage assessment will be initiated as soon as the lines of communication open.
State educational structure, to the extent permitted communications, liaise with Principals and corresponding procedures to initiate "Damage report" Supervision.
If conditions permit, classes will resume on Monday, September 22, in the town of La Paz, Comondú, Loreto and Mulege.
4 Department of Social Development
• The community kitchens are supporting with food in some hostels.
• In the dining establishments located in Los Cabos, San Jose, San Lucas, La Paz themselves are getting affected.
• There are already working on lifting brigade shaping the pattern of affected to implement the Temporary Employment Program.
5 Department of National Defence (Ministry of Defence)
• 17 heads, 58 officers and 275 enlisted personnel, conduct surveys and remain on alert in order to apply the DN-III-E PLAN, if necessary.
• Military personnel continues to manage three shelters (two in La Paz and one in Los Cabos), with an effective two heads, nine officers and 48 enlisted personnel, accommodating 468 people, 1,404 hot meals and 50 pantries having provided; also were deactivated three shelters (one in La Paz and two Comondú) because that 445 people returned to their homes).
• belonging to 6 / or military personnel. special forces battalion (Nogales, Son.) as a preventive measure, established two shelters (one in Caborca, Sonora, and 94 other people staying at a place known as the "Y Greek" to 40 km. west of Caborca, They are., with 290 people staying).
• Flights to Mexico City, Guadalajara, Jalisco, and Tijuana, Baja California, carrying 992 passengers.
• It is a collection center activated in military athletic field "Mars."
6 Ministry of the Interior (SEGOB)
GENERAL DIRECTION FOR RISK MANAGEMENT (DGGR)
• Issuance of declaration of extraordinary emergency: September 14, 2014.
• Five Towns Emergency declared in La Paz, Los Cabos, Comondú, Loreto and Mulege.
• Inputs sent comprising pantries, blankets, mats, bags, cleaning kits, personal hygiene kits and liters of water: 52,500 pantries; 27,000 blankets; 27,000 mattresses; 30,000 sacks; 6,750 cleaning kits; 27,000 personal hygiene kits and 150,000 liters of water.
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL PROTECTION
• Missions Liaison and Coordination (ECO) to La Paz and Los Cabos in order to help coordinate the actions of the people by the government agencies of the Republic were sent.
• have been issued 44 bulletins arousal Early Warning System for Tropical Cyclones (SIAT-CT).
7 Department of the Navy (SEMAR)
• You have 1,050 items in the Baja California, La Paz and Los Cabos are engaged three aircraft in the airlift established in coordination with Ministry of Defence; a kitchenette, two logistics ships at sea bridge, an oceanic patrol in search and rescue operations and 23 vehicles.
• The Zapotec vessel left the port of Mazatlan on September 18, carrying 130 tons of groceries (15,800), is estimated to arrive La Paz, on 19 September. Is on track logistics ship Usumacinta to establish maritime bridge between La Paz and Topolobampo.
• 200 pantries and 40 blankets by air in the town of Bahía de los Angeles were given.
• In San Felipe damage assessment runs are performed.
• In Santa Rosalia damage assessment runs are made, they have collected 21 tons of debris.
• In Puerto Cortes were delivered together with the National Coordination of Civil Protection of the Ministry of the Interior, 2,815 pantries, 13.008 liters of bottled water, 50 blankets and 12 bags of clothes in the town of Pescadero.
8 Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE)
• The Director General of Civil Protection of the Ministry of Interior, received at La Paz, two American consular officials who traveled from Tijuana, to analyze field actions being done to cater to tourists and support the same output. They provided all the support.
• The SRE received a call from Mr. Luis Roberto Ayala, Mexico representative of the organization "International Associa Care", who said there is interest from the association to send an evaluation team to initiate a housing reconstruction program housing and repair, for people, by providing financial resources. He was informed that his offer will be channeled to the National Coordination of Civil Protection.
9 Ministry of Health
• Need for water supply, which must be filled as soon as possible, since the reserve account may be depleted in 24 hrs in the different medical and hospital units., And the necessary measures were taken.
• All hospitals in the municipality of Los Cabos are responsive functional
• Care.
In the units visited in San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas have been given medical advice to patients.
• Shelters visited
The revision has four temporary shelters.
Refugio 1.- Technical High Number 14 in the town of San José del Cabo.
The shelter is run by the Institute of Integral Family Development (DIF) and the Ministry of Defence (Ministry of Defence).
Refugio 2 Located in the Lomas de Rosarito, "Pedraza Elementary School" with a capacity of 400 people.
Located in Refugio 3 Zacatal colony, "Rochin Pino Jacinto College." The visit to the shelter which is run by the Institute of Integral Family Development (DIF) was performed.
Refugio 4 Located in the La Playa, "Telesecundaria No, 42 Braulio Maldonado.
10 Ministry of Tourism
• Today September 18 the evacuation of tourists will continue in the hotel zone, at hotels like the Riu Palace and Santa Fe where many tourists were.
• Nine elements of the Tourist Services Corporation Green Angels also cooperate in the evacuation of tourists were incorporated.
FEDERAL AGENCIES
1 National Water Commission (CNA)
• Today, around 12:00, arrived from San José del Cabo drinking water pipes 13 12 10,000 liters and 20,000 liters of.
• Arrives also a generating power plant that support the prison El Cerezo.
• Seven power generators.
Two lower beds.
Two vans.
Eight elements PIAE.
Three water tanks of 5000 liters.
• Moves to the City All Saints and a water treatment plant for both San Bartolo in the Municipality of La Paz.
• Moves to the Municipality of Mulege one HIAB truck with two electric generators for connection to drinking water wells because damaged electricity.
National Weather Service
• Keeps informed all government agencies with timely weather forecasts in relation to monitoring and behavior "Odile" to maintain public warning.
2 Federal Electricity Commission (CFE)
So far the following encumbrances are presented:
• Generation:
An affected unit, Punta Prieta Unit 2 (37.5 MW), already have available.
• Transmission:
Four 230 kV lines affected two restored, two pending reset.
38 lines of 115 kV affected, 11 are restored to 100 percent and 27 pending reset.
Affected Transformers, Substation Substation El Palmar and San José del Cabo, are already available.
• Distribution:
140 circuits affected average voltage 37 restored to 100 percent, no one interruption, 29 and 73 partially remaining.
• Restoration by State:
Baja California Sur, mainly in the municipality of La Paz 33.13 percent.
3 Federal Police
• In the Cities of San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas are the Commissioner of the Federal Police and the Heads of the Divisions of Federal Forces and Gendarmerie, to restore security in these villages, in coordination with the Ministry of Defence, MARINA and local authorities as well as distribution of supplies (food), in coordination with representatives of various federal agencies concentrated in that state.
• Tourists evacuated by air to Mexico City: 937.
• Tons of transferred inputs: 33.
• Tons of water: 14.5.
4 Attorney General's Office
• The office has installed eight collection centers in Mexico City.
PARASTATAL AGENCIES:
1 Petroleos Mexicanos (PEMEX)
• The Storage and Distribution Terminal (TAR) La Paz, remains unchanged the number of service stations stocked and running:
20 in La Paz
Seven In Los Cabos
• Staff information technology PEMEX busy installing satellite antenna systems and networks to restore data in TAR La Paz.
Notes:
Aeromexico:
• Continue moving passengers
Interjet
• Move personnel will assist in the work of transportation support staff PROFECO.
The Mexican Red Cross is called watchful civil society to help through the accounts:
• On behalf of: Cruz Roja Mexicana IAP
Account Number: 0404040406
Receiving Bank: BBVA Bancomer
Branch: 07692 REF. FLORENCE
Plaza Mexico DF
Interbank Clabe: 012180004040404062
SWIFT: BCMRMXMMPYM
• Bancomer: 0404040406
Interbank Clabe: 012180004040404062.
Directorate-General for Social Communication
GOVERNMENT ESTIMATES RECOVERY NEEDS
Ministry of Tourism predicts that the urban and tourist infrastructure of Los Cabos will recover fully from Hurricane Odile within 4 months.
Some who have seen the damage closely have predicted 6 months for a full recovery. Large scale desal plants, power generation and e-grid construction will take at least 2 months more than SECTURE is anticipating for full area recovery.
The federal authorities are preparing to fund large scale recovery programs for local needs, including small business recovery.
ROAD TRAVEL UPDATE
Baja Norte and Baja Sur are under various controls and Martial Law. Curfew is 10 PM in Baja South. Traffic is currently flowing from North to South to Guerrero Negro. Slowly, as streams run out. There is still some water at the vado in Cataviña but it is not enough to cause problems as long as you exercise extreme precaution and drive slowly.
Gasoline is available in El Rosario and with some limited availability in Guerrero Negro. Supplies of fuel there are in great regional demand and expect possible long lines. Delays of as much as several hours are typical, waiting for additional fuel to arrive by truck.
Past Guerrero Negro the road is "open" but with a lot of limitations and potential problems. All staples are gone or in short supply. All ice is gone!
The government has made the road "passable" at several spots around the Guerrero Negro area with some quick regrading work. The road is currently drivable but very rough at times. Make sure your tires are in good shape with a lot of tread and a good spare.
The availability of gasoline south of Guerrero Negro is quite limited with no guarantee you will be able to fill your tank. Where you find a station selling gasoline, expect long lines. Gasoline in Baja South is currently being rationed with priority given to emergency aid and disaster response. A truck pulling in to fill the tanks at a gasoline station where you are waiting may be called off to go deliver somewhere else, without warning.
Baja North and Central Baja suffered a lot of flood damage in locations and most communities will not currently be equipped to handle services such as food, gas and lodging as normal. As many escape from South to North, they are taking all the supplies.
The further south you go, expect more potential problems with road conditions, gasoline availability and communications. There still is very limited information for many areas, especially once you leave Highway 1.
Due to the current breakdown in communications, any accident or road emergency response will be extremely slow or even none.
SITUATION BULLETIN!
UPDATED September 19
PEOPLE EVACUATION - AIRLIFT UPDATE
22,000 tourists have already been flown out. Today should be the last required day of airlift.
UTILITIES UPDATE
According to CFE, power has been restored to 33% of Los Cabos 60% of La Paz and 75% of Northern areas of Baja Sur (BCS). Water is flowing, and by Sunday or Monday should be back to normal. Landline phones are working but no electricity makes that not so useful. Cell service is mostly working.
SECURITY UPDATE
All reports seem to agree that looting and unrest has finally stopped. The few that took advantage of the situation to rob stores of nonessential items are being given a choice to return the items or be prosecuted. In La Paz, it is being reported by several outlets that things are getting back to normal - not quite there, but starting to feel like it.
LOOKING FORWARD
All eyes now are on restoring power, helping those in need, rebuilding and banding together to get Cabo back up and running as soon as possible. Positive vibes are starting to outnumber negative ones for the first time since the storm as pictures and posts of cleaned up and rebuilt areas are already beginning to surface.
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FOOD & WATER UPDATE
Some water has been restored toLos Cabos, with 270 ml/s being delivered now to San Jose del Cabo and 200 ml/s being delivered not to Cabo San Lucas. They are testing the desalination plant but full water service is expected to be restored by Sunday or Monday. New water treatment facilities are also being activated. Source: CONAGUA
Food has arrived and is being distributed. Thousands of tons of emergency rations and supplies are arriving by truck, boat and plane. The Secretary of the Economy states that this weekend, stores will again have basic stocks of food and water on their shelves. Not full selection of course, but basic essentials.
HOTEL UPDATE
In a statement by the Hotel Association, the chief stated that 11,000 of 21,000 hotel rooms were damaged in the storm. However, most of that damage was minor and the infrastructure of most resorts was unaffected. He predicts within 30 days that most hotels will be back open and running, and that the best way for people to help the local businesses is to visit the destination.
AIRLIFT UPDATE
All Canadian Citizens that want to go home are now on their way, according to the Canadian consulate. The last remaining US Citizens are expected to fly out today.
----------------------------------------------------
AIRLIFT UPDATE
According to the Ministry of Tourism, an estimated 15,000 tourists were airlifted out on Tuesday and Wednesday, with another 8,000 more expected to be airlifted out on Thursday and again on Friday, for a total of 31,000. If there is still anyone left those flights would probably be on Saturday. Not quite the 48 hours they first predicted, but at least it is finally nearing an end. Several commercial airlines carrying the bulk of the load now.
FOOD & WATER
On Thursday, the first ship is arriving to the Port of La Paz, carrying 500 tons of food. The military and red cross are also importing tons of food and water, so relief is finally on the way in those regards.
ICE
ALL SUPPLIES GONE
FUEL
Fuel is in critical supply inLos Cabos with only 3 stations open, and waits of up to 5 hours to get even a small amount of fuel. However, 20 fuel stations are open now in La Paz, so there is a backup supply for those three stations.
PHONE / INTERNET
Telecommunications are back up in most of the area. Unfortunately with no power it's hard to keep batteries charged.
ELECTRIC / WATER
70% of northern BCS is reported to be back up with power, and 30% to 40% of La Paz.
SECURITY
Martial Law declared earlier today. There is a lot of talk today about clamping down on the security situation, and a lot more troops on the way, so whatever problem exists now on the security front will likely be handled soon.
200 vehicles per hour are reportedly entering La Paz from Los Cabos. Checkpoints have been set up and 12 people in La Paz and 7 in Los Cabos have been arrested for looting (coming back with TVs in their cars, etc).
Secretary for Public Safety denies rumors of a jailbreak and says rumors are false. Blames social media for spreading unfounded rumors. Rumors of 700 escaping are unfounded. 17 inmates did escape.
AIRPORT
No new updates to report. Still 10 days is the estimate for Los Cabos. However, yesterday GAP said that La Paz airport had resumed normal operations.
A COMMON TOURIST EXPERIENCE REPORT:
"I just heard from our parents, who had been at Playa Grande. He says they were all forced out of the hotel yesterday by military to the airport. Once arriving at the airport, there it looked like several thousand people wandering around in unformatted huge long lines, for miles: 4 people across and 4 planes.
They told their van to turn around and go to La Paz Airport. When they turned around they saw big military vehicles filled with military, standing on the roofs of the trucks with giant guns, heading to airport? Our parents and the other 4 people they are with, were able to get the last 3 rooms at a hotel in La Paz, where there is power and are now waiting at the La Paz airport for help. He says it is not crowded there at all, but he doesn't know when help will arrive. They have some cookies in their bags for food. They will be flown to one of the 4 Mex cities and then from there will make arrangements to get home. They don't know much, they don't seem to be aware of any plans. There seem to be a few commercial planes flying out of La Paz but maybe just ticketed passengers, no evacuations..."
END REPORT
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ESCAPE FROM BAJA UPDATES! SEPT 20, 2014
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Monday, September 15 LIVE! From the Desert Tower Studios. How will this storm impact the BAJA 1000 Course Route To La Paz?
NOW 6 PM Tropical Storm Odile
Has Left The Building!
Extremely dangerous Hurricane Odile has made history by becoming the strongest hurricane on modern records to make landfall on Mexico's Baja California peninsula.
According to the National Hurricane Center, Odile made landfall at about 10:45 p.m. MDT near Cabo San Lucas on Sunday, September 14, with maximum sustained winds of 125 mph, making it a Category 3 hurricane, at the time of landfall.
REPORTED LIVE! - "MASSIVE TOURIST EVACUATIONS UNDERWAY NOW! STAY TUNED!***Destruction! Hurricane Odile Strikes the Cape of the Baja peninsula, Los Cabos, Todos Santos and La Paz***"
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