Posted: 2:30 am EDT
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We’ve anticipated the evacuation of the family members of Embassy Kathmandu staff following the devastating Nepal earthquake of April 25. On May 1st, the State Department issued a new Nepal Travel Warning and announced the May 2nd “authorized departure” not just of embassy family members but also of its non-emergency personnel. See part of the announcement below:
The Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the risks of travel to Nepal and recommends that they defer non-essential travel there following the 7.8 magnitude earthquake on April 25. On May 2, 2015, the Department of State approved authorized departure for non-emergency U.S. government personnel and dependents. The U.S. Department of State also recommends that U.S. citizens in Nepal exercise caution when traveling in or planning departure from the country. The possibility for aftershocks of significant magnitude persists. Infrastructure is fragile and access to basic resources, including healthcare, could be limited. Cell phone and internet service are intermittent. In Kathmandu and elsewhere, some buildings are collapsed and some roads are impassable, making transportation difficult. Some areas of the city are crowded with displaced persons. Kathmandu and Lukla airports have been re-opened since the earthquake. However, the airports may close temporarily without notice due to aftershocks or inclement weather. We encourage travelers to contact their airlines to confirm flight availability before departing for the airport.
Read the full Travel Warning here.
USAID supported DART teams have been on the move and just rescued a man from a building in Gongabu. Photo from US Embassy Nepal/FB
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