As reported yesterday, all U.S. Citizens who want to leave the island should be at the airport (SXM) by no later than noon. Expect long lines and a lot of people. I do not have any further information on number of flights or when they’ll be departing.
#StMaarten: US cits in need of evacuation proceed to #SXM #Juliana airport as soon as safe today no later than noon. Monitor 101.1 FM.
— Travel – State Dept (@TravelGov) September 11, 2017
In addition, the U.S. State Department sent out a tweet indicating the the Dutch/French border was closed. I’ve asked them for more information but have not yet received a response.
If this is true — there have been conflicting reports (see below) — what I’m most interested in is why people are not being allowed to pass from the French side to the Dutch side. There are many Americans stuck on the French side that need to get to the SXM airport so I’m hoping the border is open.
#StMaarten: US citizens needing to cross the border are recommended to shelter in place and await further info. (2/2)
— Travel – State Dept (@TravelGov) September 11, 2017
This is FALSE. My dad and other USC’s have been able to cross over the border from the French side to the Dutch side and are now at airport.
— Monica Chertoff (@genuwine742) September 11, 2017
There are many Canadians seeking information to find out what rescue efforts are being made by their country. I have tried to contact Canadian officials with no success. There was recently a tweet sent out by Toronto reporter, Mike Drolet, stating that West Jet is sending an aircraft today to pick up citizens.
#stmartin rescue effort underway today. Global affairs canada will be announcing #westjet is sending a 737 to pick up stranded cdns.
— Mike Drolet (@MDroletGlobalTV) September 11, 2017
The first of two flights arranged by Copa Airlines has taken off from SXM transporting Latin Americans to Panama. The second flight is scheduled to take off at noon.
First @CopaAirlines flight to #StMaarten just took off. Second flight will depart at noon. Very grateful for Panama’s solidarity & support! pic.twitter.com/r7flRIU13B
— Dirk Janssen (@dirkjanjanssen) September 11, 2017
