Wilma Evacuations
FRESNO - Today CongressmanJim Costa (D-Fresno) sent a letter to Secretary of State Condoleezza Riceurging the State Department to work expeditiously toward the evacuation ofAmerican Citizens stranded in Cancun,Mexico afterthe tragedies brought on by Hurricane Wilma.
Following is the text of the letter:
Dr. Condoleezza Rice
Secretary
U.S.Department of State
2201 C Street,NW
Washington,DC 20520
Dear Dr. Rice:
I am writing to request an immediate response on the U.S.Department of State (DOS) efforts to evacuate American Citizens left strandedin Cancun, Mexico after the devastatingeffects of Hurricane Wilma.
Hurricane Wilma and its potential devastating impact werehighly predictable. While the U.S.government was not responsible for preparing evacuation and emergency plans forareas outside of our borders, we do bear some responsibility for providingAmerican citizens with emergency relief and evacuation assistance after adisaster occurs. American tourists stillstranded on Cancun deserve to have adequatefood, water, and medical care, in addition to assurances that they will beevacuated in a timely fashion. It is myunderstanding, based on information I have received from the Department ofState Congressional Desk, Vice Consul William E. Herzog at the Consulate inMerida and the DOS Task Force assisting US citizens in Mexico (1-888-407-4747),that there was a total lack of preparation and now lack of cooperation andwillingness by the Mexican Government in allowing people to get to the airportfor evacuation. I believe our owngovernment bares responsibility for getting them home safely.
In my 20th Congressional District in California, I have six constituents in shelters in Cancunwaiting to return to the UnitedStates, two at the Moon Palace Shelter andfour at the Radisson Hotel. It is myunderstanding that the Mexican Government is not allowing my constituents outof the shelter to travel to the CancunAirport without proper documentationshowing they have a flight leaving the Cancun Airport. This is an impossible request given the lackof access to obtain this documentation. It is my understanding that American tour groups in Cancunare getting priority in evacuating over those citizens traveling on their own,such as my constituents. It is also myunderstanding, contrary to DOS reports, that my constituents and other U.S. citizens located at the Radisson Shelter inCancun do not have access to water, food andappropriate medical assistance.
We have the capabilities to fly American citizens out ofharm's way and I feel we need to act right now. Please advise me on what steps the U.S. Department of State is taking tobring Americans home from Cancun immediately and what steps are being taken inthe meantime to assure all stranded Americans in Cancunhave the appropriate water, food and medical assistance in their shelters.
I urge you to take immediate action to return safely and assoon as possible the constituents in my district and all other Americans leftstranded in Cancun.
Sincerely,
JIM COSTA
Member of Congress
JC/ksg