Update on St Maarten/St Martin: Jose Has Passed, U.S. State Dept Issues Directions, More
There have been a number of developments on the island of St. Maarten/St. Martin since our last update from earlier today and we want to bring you up to speed.
It appears that the bulk of Jose has passed the island without any further damage. That, of course, is a blessing and extremely amazing news!!
The U.S. State Department issued instructions to all U.S. citizens on the island. The most important item here is that all citizens should stay where you are and continue to stay sheltered from Hurricane Jose. Do not go to the airport unless you have specific and confirmed departure plans. It’s most likely that the State Department or local police or military will assist you when the storm has cleared. Stay where you are and stay safe.
In #SintMaarten? Continue to shelter in place. Going to airport w/o specific, confirmed departure plan could endanger your safety. pic.twitter.com/e3atDSB3ZR
— Travel – State Dept (@TravelGov) September 9, 2017
There have been hundreds of people evacuated off the island today. We asked the State Department if they had specific numbers and were told that they did not have an official count and will provide updated information as it becomes available.
The numbers are in flux at this time. We will provide updated information as it becomes available.
— Travel – State Dept (@TravelGov) September 9, 2017
Included in the evacuees today has been over 100 AUC School of Medicine students.
US military evacuation resumes! Planes fly 100+ students to safety – making sure every one of the AUC family is OK. #AUCstrong
— AUC Sch of Medicine (@aucmed) September 9, 2017
People evacuated from #StMaarten today before #Jose comes. To Puerto Rico (Americans), Aruba and Curacao.
See also @SXMStrong pic.twitter.com/P32II9sBZP— Karel van Oosterom (@KvanOosterom) September 9, 2017
While many people have been evacuated safely, there are still many people actively searching for, and trying to make contact with, family and loved ones.
Dante Gill & father Kieron (from Canada) not heard from along w/sis Nina & mother Aleaya since #Irma struck St Martin. Please RT @SXMStrong pic.twitter.com/J2WpqNLIbS
— Doug Johnson (@djjohnso) September 9, 2017
And, unfortunately, it sounds like things on the French side have remained difficult, with more questions than answers for people seeking to make contact with loved ones and/or get them off evacuated.
Too bad it’s only for the Dutch side. Still thousands of Americans left stranded on the French side.
— Monica Chertoff (@genuwine742) September 9, 2017
Not specifics. My dad is stranded in the orient bay/grand case area and there are other Americans with him in the shelter.
— Monica Chertoff (@genuwine742) September 9, 2017
