Loreto's Wardens have requested this message be disseminated to as many Americans as possible.

Warden Message

SITUATION IN NORTHERN BAJA CALIFORNIA

April 5, 2010

Earthquake in Northern Baja California

This warden message alerts U.S. citizens to the situation in the northeastern area of Baja California resulting from the 7.2 earthquake which occurred on Sunday, April 4.

On Sunday, April 4, northern Baja California experienced a 7.2 magnitude earthquake with an epicenter approximately halfway between Mexicali and San Felipe, in the northeast portion of the state. The exact epicenter was 16 miles from Guadalupe Victoria, Baja California, Mexico. There have been ongoing tremors and aftershocks in the region.

While roads are open, there are ongoing repairs and traffic is slow in parts. The Calexico-West Port of Entry has been closed to vehicle traffic, but remains open for pedestrians. The Calexico-East Port of Entry is open to both vehicle and pedestrian traffic. Other Ports of Entry including; San Ysidro, Otay Mesa, Tecate, and Andrade, are all open. Please refer to the Customs and Border Patrol's website for updates and wait times: http://apps.cbp.gov/bwt/.

Damages to the infrastructure have been limited, but are of concern. Many buildings have cracks that may have weakened the buildings. Use caution and follow the directions of local authorities. Medical facilities are operating on a limited basis. Electricity and water are available in most areas. Cell phone service is limited and the networks have been overloaded.

For more detailed information on staying safe in Mexico, please see the Mexico Country Specific Information. Information on security and travel to popular tourist destinations is also provided in the publication: "Spring Break in Mexico-Know Before You Go!!"

For the latest security information, U.S. citizens traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's internet web site at http://travel.state.gov/ where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, and Travel Alerts can be found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States and Canada, or, for callers from Mexico, a regular toll line at 001-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). American citizens traveling or residing overseas are encouraged to register with the appropriate U.S. Embassy or Consulate on the State Department's travel registration website at https://travelregistration.state.gov/.

For any emergencies involving U.S. citizens in Mexico, please contact the U.S. Embassy or the closest U.S. Consulate. The numbers provided below for the Embassy and Consulates are available around the clock. The U.S. Embassy is located in Mexico City at Paseo de la Reforma 305, Colonia Cuauhtemoc, telephone from the United States: 011-52-55-5080-2000; telephone within Mexico City: 5080-2000; telephone long distance within Mexico 01-55-5080-2000. You may also contact the Embassy by e-mail at:

ACSMexicoCity@state.gov. The Embassy's internet address is http://www.usembassy-mexico.gov/.

The Consulate General in Tijuana is located at Tapachula 96; Colonia Hipódromo, Tijuana, Mexico. The Consulate General's telephone number from the U.S. is (011)(52)(664) 622-7400; within Mexico, (01)(664)(622)(7400). The fax number is (011)(664) 686 1168. For additional inquiries, please contact us at http://tijuana.usconsulate.gov.

Posted by HQVDM at the request of Loreto's Wardens, Ray/Diane Lieberenz