Warden Message

U.S. Consulate General, Kolkata
American Citizen Services Unit
5/1 Ho Chi Minh Sarani
Kolkata (Formerly known as Calcutta)
West Bengal, India 700 071
Telephone: (91) (33) 3984-2400 extn 2443
Facsimile: (91) (33) 2282-2335
E-mail American Citizen Services: KolkataACS@state.gov
http://kolkata.usconsulate.gov

May 25, 2009

Cyclone Aila

This Warden Message is to alert U.S. citizens residing or traveling in the Eastern Indian state of West Bengal to Cyclone Aila. All U.S. citizens in this area are urged to monitor the progress of the storm via local media. Cyclone Aila can be expected to cause heavy rains, flooding, strong winds, damage to buildings, downed trees and power lines as well as other life threatening conditions. Americans in the region should immediately prepare for the possibility that they could be without power and/or communications and unable to move by road if the storm hits their area. Airports and seaports are also likely to be closed should the storm intensify.

For additional information on cyclones and hurricanes, their effects, and steps you should take to prepare for a cyclone or hurricane, please see the checklist issued by the State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs at http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/hurricane_season/hurricane_season_2915.html. Additional useful links are listed at http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/tips/emergencies/emergencies_1207.html.

For the latest security information, Americans 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 outside the United States 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. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).  Americans are also encouraged to read the Country Specific Information for India, available on the Embassy's website at http://newdelhi.usembassy.gov, and also at http://travel.state.gov.

U.S. citizens living or traveling abroad are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department's travel registration web site at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/ so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security.  Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.  By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency.  For additional information, please refer to "A Safe Trip Abroad" found at http://travel.state.gov.

U.S. citizens may contact the American Citizens Services Unit of the Embassy or the Consulates General for further information:

-- The U.S. Consulate General in Kolkata is located at 5/1 Ho Chi Minh Sarani, Kolkata, India 700071 and can be reached by telephone at +91-33-3984-2400, by fax at +91-33-2282-2335 or via e-mail at consularkolkata@state.gov. The Consulate’s Internet home page is located at http://kolkata.usconsulate.gov. 

-- The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi is located at Shanti Path, Chanakya Puri 110021; telephone +91-11-2419-8000; fax +91- 11-2419-8407. The Embassy's Internet home page address is http://newdelhi.usembassy.gov.

-- The U.S. Consulate General in Mumbai (Bombay) is located at Lincoln House, 78 Bhulabhai Desai Road, 400026, telephone +91-22-2363-3611; fax +91-22-2363-0350. The Internet home page address is http://mumbai.usconsulate.gov.

-- The U.S. Consulate General in Chennai (Madras) is at 220 Anna Salai, Gemini Circle, 600006, telephone +91-44-2857-4000; fax +91-44-2811-2027. The Internet home page address is http://chennai.usconsulate.gov.

-- The U.S. Consulate General in Hyderabad is at Paigah Palace, 1-8-323, Chiran Fort Lane, Begumpet, Secunderabad 500 003, Telephone: +91 (40) 4033-8300, The Internet home page address is http://hyderabad.usconsulate.gov.