Warden Message

November 15, 2007

Tropical Cyclone Sidr, now moving north at approximately 6 mph, with maximum winds of 130 mph and wind gusts up to 160 mph, is expected to make landfall near the Bangladesh-Indian border at late tonight, Thursday, November 15 (estimates are in the 11 p.m. to midnight range, but could change).  Currently at a Category 4 on the Saffir-Simpson Scale, Sidr is expected to decrease to a Category 1 as it makes its way inland.  Please note that even a Category 1 storm, with wind speeds of 74 to 95 mph, is capable of disrupting services and infrastructure, and may cause wind or flood damage.  In particular, electricity, water and telephone services could be affected, and road travel might be difficult, if not impossible.  Food, drinking water and gasoline may be in short supply, and extra batteries may be useful to have on hand.  U.S. citizens are urged to locate shelter, monitor media reports, and follow all official instructions.

Additional information on hurricanes and storm preparedness may be found in the “Hurricane Season-Know Before You Go” pamphlet at: http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/hurricane_season/hurricane_season_2915.html, and on the “Natural Disasters” page of the Bureau of Consular Affairs’ website at: http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/tips/emergencies/emergencies_1207.html.

Please continue to monitor the Embassy’s website for updated information, dhaka.usembassy.gov.  For the latest security information, Americans living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet web site at http://www.travel.state.gov/, where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, Bangladesh Public Announcement, Bangladesh Consular Information Sheet and other Public Announcements and Travel Warnings can be found.  Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S. and Canada; or, for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.  These numbers are available from 8:00 am to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

The U.S. Embassy in Dhaka can be reached at (880-2) 885-5500 during regular hours and for after-hours emergencies.

U.S. Embassy

Dhaka, Bangladesh