Warden Messages

Tropical Cyclone Fávio

21 February 2007

The U.S. Embassy is sending this Warden Message to advise the American community about Tropical Cyclone Fávio which is approaching Mozambique from the Mozambique Channel.  Tropical Cyclone Fávio is predicted to hit the coast of Central Mozambique on 22 February. Wind gusts could exceed 130 Knots (150mph/240Kph).  Low-lying coastal areas may be affected by surging waves.  There is a risk of structural damage to buildings.  We advise against all travel to the Bazaruto Archipelago.  We advise against all but essential travel to low-lying coastal areas between Inhambane and Quelimane. Americans in these areas should to seek shelter on higher ground and heed local advice.

Americans are advised to take appropriate precautions to protect themselves from the storm including staying away from the shoreline, moving inland if necessary, and being watchful of potential flood conditions.  Americans should follow all official instructions regarding storm preparations.  All U.S. citizens currently in the affected areas should secure their travel documents, (i.e. U.S. Passport, Birth Certificate, picture ID’s, etc.) by placing them in a safe, waterproof location and carrying them at all times.   U.S. citizens are reminded to keep friends and family in the United States apprised of your whereabouts.  Americans are also advised to monitor weather reports regularly since the projected path of a cyclone can change rapidly.

For information on its current track see the following websites:

1. U.S. Navy – Joint Typhoon Warning Center (See the listing for Cyclone Favio):   https://metocph.nmci.navy.mil/jtwc.php
2. UN World Metrological Organization: http://severe.worldweather.wmo.int/tc/swi/index.html
3. Tropical Storm Risk.com (a non-governmental website): http://tsr.mssl.ucl.ac.uk/

For information in on disaster preparedness, see the U.S. Department’s webpage on Natural Disasters.  For additional information on travel to Mozambique, see the Department’s Consular Information Sheet for Mozambique.  Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S., 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 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

As always, please do not hesitate to contact us at the Embassy if you have any questions:
 
The U.S. Embassy is located at 193 Avenida Kenneth Kaunda, Maputo
Telephone (258) 21 49 2797
Fax (258) 21 49 0448
Web site:  http://Mozambique.USEmbassy.gov
E-mail: ConsularMaputo@state.gov
 
Consular section is open Monday-Thursday 7:30 am to 4:00 pm; Friday 7:30 am to 11:00 am.  Because visa interviews are normally scheduled on Tuesday and Thursday mornings it is advised to make non-emergency visits to the Consular section at other times.