Mexico's consular network strengthens protective measures in Southeastern U.S. in response to Hurricane Helene

Mexico's consular network strengthens protective measures in Southeastern U.S. in response to Hurricane Helene

• Mexico's consulates in Atlanta, Orlando, Miami, Raleigh, and Washington, D.C., which cover the areas affected by the hurricane, are coordinating assistance and protection for the Mexican community there and are in ongoing communication state and federal emergency management authorities

The Foreign Ministry reports that on September 24, Mexico's consulates in Atlanta, Orlando, Miami, Raleigh, and Washington D.C. activated the natural disaster emergency protocol in anticipation of Hurricane Helene's imminent arrival in the southeastern United States.

The consulates issued alerts to the Mexican population via their social media channels, providing key preventive information, recommendations, and actions to follow in case of potential flooding and evacuation orders. They also supplied details on shelter shelter locations. Additionally, they publicized emergency contact numbers for the consulates and the Center for Information and Assistance for Mexicans (CIAM).

Hurricane Helene, a Category 4 storm, made landfall on September 26 in northwestern Florida, causing severe damage to various communities in Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia. The five consulates covering the affected areas have maintained ongoing communication with state and federal emergency management authorities, as well as with the Red Cross, community organizations, and local leaders to coordinate assistance and protection efforts for the Mexican community.

The Consulate General of Mexico in Atlanta reported the tragic deaths of five Mexican citizens, one in Georgia and four in Tennessee, and is in contact with the families of three of them to arrange for the repatriation of their remains. The other consulates have not received reports of additional Mexican deaths or missing persons.

Mexican consular staff in Orlando toured the hardest-hit regions of central and northern Florida, including the shelters. Similarly, consular teams in Atlanta and Raleigh are also visiting shelters and the impacted areas to evaluate the needs of the Mexican community and provide the necessary assistance.

The Foreign Ministry, through the Directorate General of Consular Protection and Strategic Planning, will continue to monitor the hurricane's progress and impact. It remains committed to providing consular assistance and protection to all Mexican nationals who require it.