OCHA Situation Report No. 7
Hurricane Isidore - The Caribbean
24 September 2002


This message is not an official hurricane warning or alert for any
country.

1. The National Weather Center in Miami reports that at 15:00 GMT today,
the center of Isidore - downgraded to tropical storm - was located over
land near latitude 22.1 north and longitude 90.0 west or about 130 km
north-northwest of Merida, Mexico. Maximum sustained winds are near 95 km
per hour.

2. A Hurricane Watch is in effect along the northern the Gulf coast from
Cameron, Louisiana to Pascagoula, Mississippi.

3. A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect from east of High Island, Texas
to Destin, Florida. A Tropical Storm Warning remains in effect along the
Gulf coast of Mexico from Cabo Catoche to Veracruz.


Cuba

4. The UN Resident Coordinator in Cuba informs that heavy rainfall
continued while Hurricane Isidore hovered over the Yucatan Peninsula. As
reported by the Cuban Civil Defense and national news organizations,
severe flooding is still affecting a large area of western part of the
Pinar del Rio province.

5. Most of the 292,000 evacuees have returned to their homes, except those
who lost their dwellings or who live in areas still flooded. Some 210,000
animals have also been returned.

6. Approximately 8,500 houses have been damaged. Building materials have
already been shipped to the affected areas, including the Isle of Youth.
Teams of repairmen sent from neighboring provinces have been trying to
restore electricity and telephone services. The former is vital to operate
water systems in major cities and towns, now served by tankers.

7. The UN Agencies held an inter-agency meeting on 23 September in Havana.
They agreed to conduct assessments in the affected areas, jointly with the
Civil Defense, as soon as they become accessible.


Jamaica

8. Weather conditions have improved significantly. Water has receded from
flooded communities except in Westmoreland. All shelters except those in
Westmoreland are closed. Sections of Westmoreland are still without power.
Water is being trucked to the affected areas. Damage assessments are being
carried out.


Mexico

9. According to the 'Diario de Yucatan' newspaper, federal authorities are
providing 60,000 food rations to the affected people, deploying military
engineering experts and releasing funds from the National Fund for
Emergencies to assist the 70 most affected municipalities.

10. For further information, please refer to the Website of the National
Hurricane Service in Miami at www.nhc.noaa.gov, and
www.solar.ifa.hawaii.edu/Tropical/Gif/atl.latest.gif

11. This situation report, together with further information on ongoing
emergencies, is also available on the OCHA Internet Website at
http://www.reliefweb.int


Telephone: +41-22-91712 34
Fax: +41-22-917 00 23
E-mail: ochagva@un.org

In case of emergency only: Tel. +41-22-917 20 10

Desk Officers:
  Mr. E. Haegglund / Mr. R. Mena / Ms. M. Kondo
  Direct Tel. +41-22-917 32 99 / 14 55 / 19 97

Press contact:
  (GVA)  Ms. Elizabeth Byrs, direct Tel. +41-22-917 2653
  (NYC)  Brian Grogan direct Tel. +1-212-963-1143


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