Keep talking to me please.. (Thread 2)

[Buns_of_Fire]

Since the original thread ( http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x5117434 ) is probably getting a little unwieldy, perhaps we should continue our vigil here...

mexicoxpat, we're still with ya...

[Sydnie]

1. Still here with you too

Hoping that things are calming down some ....

[Berserker]

4. When I read what mexicopat said last night

to start that thread it tears at my heart. We all feel so helpless. She is in the worst spot possible and alone. My thoughts are with her and the thousands of others that could not make it out of that area.

[Baclava]

31. Official landfall in Cozumel

Those poor people on Cozumel will be in the eye for almost 3 hours. The people on the south side of the island be in the eyewall for even longer...I mean, they were getting 25 foot waves this morning even before the eyewall winds and surge came in there.

Locally, 30-40 inches of rain won't help either.
Truly a disaster for that area.

All the gods need to give a hand here.

[Nothing Without Hope]

55. According to this analysis, the eye may hang around there 7 HOURS!!!

And then bobble back and forth. So intense wind coming from different directions interspersed by a nervous, eerie calm when the eye is overhead.

http://www.wunderground.com/blog/JeffMasters/show.html

[stop the bleeding]

58. That theory is from about 5pm EST and now the theories seem to

be changing. BTW I love these 2 guys at wunderground.com for watching their interprations in storms.

Wilma may not spend as long over land or go all that far inland due to the latest NNW progress. Wilma may leave the Yucatan faster than originally anticipated. This theory seems to only be emerging since 11pm EST and it is now about 12pm EST we'll see how it goes. If this holds true then the storm will vacate the area faster than thought, maintain more strength and arrive to FL faster and stronger. This is good for Mexicopat but at the same time she is still gonna get a licking from the SSE sections of the storm worse than the northern part of the storm which this is not so good this is where the worse winds are. I have been keeping an eye on every scrap of info in regards to this storm because I live about 1-2 miles from the gulf coast outside of Tampa. I posted earlier in post#54 or 53 like then as now. Its gonna be a long night/weekend for everyone.

[Nothing Without Hope]

60. Thanks for this and good luck. I live in the Boston area and Hurricane Bob

gave us a licking (what kind of a hurricane name is "Bob"????!! - how can you be afraid of it with a name like that?). But compared to what you and the other people in the hurricane zone around the Gulf and southern Atlantic experience, Bob was not such a big deal.

[Fla Dem]

82. self delete...dup post

[ewagner]

2. Just caught up with this thread

Good luck to you! :hug:

[derby378]

3. mexicopat, you still with us?

Hang in there, I think the eye is gonna make landfall soon. That's when the show really begins, and we may lose contact with you for a while. The main thing is that you keep yourself safe.

:hug:

[stop the bleeding]

5. My thoughts are with all of the people going through this right now

I remember there being some talk of Tequila a few nights ago and the possibility of staying with some republican friends whatever happen to that combination?, sorry if it has already been discussed. Not to make light of a situation but just trying to get your mind off of the storm. I have only been in Cat 1's and T. Storms nothing this big, and from my experience I know what the constant noise and pounding must be like right now so try to find anything to talk about if possible. Sorry to be rattling but I am VERY concerned for all life that is in the path of this thing, both in the Yucatan and here in FL.

:hide:

[nonconformist]

6. You're still very much in my thoughts, mexicoxpat

:hug:

[mtnester]

7. Here are two sites that are providing live updates from the area as long

as they have power/or are able to do so.

http://stormcarib.com/reports/2005/mexico.shtml

http://www.locogringo.com/forums/tt.asp?forumid=2

on the second link, some posts are indicating they are in contact with people in the area via phone, but no power in many areas. The worst is coming around noon today.

[Baclava]

73. Carib Update - thanks for that link

"After talking to several people here in Cancun via the net I have some new information.

It seems the worst of the storm will be here from 3 to 5AM local time when we can expect to see waves up to 8 meters high hitting the shoreline. Several hotels have been reported to be severally damaged, and the Lagoon is now meeting the ocean in various parts of the hotel zone."


"The Mexican government did a great job in evacuating thousands of tourists in a small span of 10 to 12 hours. For tourists the evacuations were mandatory. Though the shelters may be uncomfortable, they are safe. I wouldn't worry to much if you have friends or relatives here, they may not be able to communicate for the next few days, but they are safe."

"The winds are now EXTREMELY powerful, the noise is loud, the building is shaking, and the storm seems to be very angry."

pics too...

http://stormcarib.com/reports/2005/mexico.shtml

[helderheid]

8. anyone hear from mexicoxpat lateley?

[TallahasseeGrannie]

9. How are you doing?

We are with you in spirit.

[DeepModem Mom]

10. We're here, mexicoxpat.

[kristndem]

11. Hey Mexicopat

Sending you good vibes and keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.

[Buns_of_Fire]

12. Right about now (10:30ish), I figure they're getting the worst of it...

I've found (from personal experience) that there is no more helpless a feeling than being connected only thru a phone line when someone else is in danger. I'm making the assumption that the phones are out there, and so we can do nothing but wait, worry, and pray. Please be safe. And remember, we're here when you get a chance to return. :grouphug:

[stop the bleeding]

13. Did you see post #7? n/t

[Buns_of_Fire]

16. Yes. But once you're within the inner bands,

it's all bad.

[stop the bleeding]

17. Yes I know its like the devil is pounding on your house for about

12 plus hours straight and the howling wind and rain is unimaginable unless you have seen it first hand. The best thing to do is to "hunker down" that is the term we use in FL.:hide:

[Buns_of_Fire]

18. Wholeheartedly agreed.

I've been through four of them (when I lived in south Florida, although none as powerful as the ones this year), and the sound of a coconut or a palm frond flying through an upstairs window is a sound I don't care to hear ever again. Add to that the sound of my mother panicking, my father shouting instructions (over the howl of the wind) on how to secure the mattresses to try to hold out the wind and the rain (we were ultimately unsuccessful, and finally abandoned the room to the elements), and the sloshing sound of the Atlantic pouring down the street to the Intracoastal Waterway...

My mother has always said that God never tosses more at you than you can handle -- but, I must admit, He's come pretty close at times.

[Baclava]

39. Too true...reality sucks.

[Generic Other]

14. Checking in this morning

Thinking of you Mexicoxpat!

:hug:

[Catherine Vincent]

15. We may not hear from her for a few days.

Probably no power. I hope everyone make's it okay.

[stop the bleeding]

19. Hopefully the people that are around there are experienced and

have back up power to keep some form of communication open. When these things come through everyone is pretty much on their own and it only takes one time of going through a storm to make you prepare properly for all future ones. We'll have to wait and see and pray.

:yoiks:

[Baclava]

32. No doubt

I fear that Wilma will do what Katrina did to places along the gulf coast. Except Wilma is a bit stronger, and is moving slower.

[babylonsister]

20. .

[nofurylike]

21. hello, mexicopat! i hope you're getting a breather in the eye of the

storm!

my candle is still burning, sending you continuous golden light...

hang on! so many, many are embracing you!!


peace!!

[stop the bleeding]

23. I don't htink its over her yet, from what I saw earlier from another

poster is that she is on the the very most NE tip of the Yucatan so right now she is riding out the northern fury of the storm and I believe the eye is over Cozumel(sorry for spelling wrong) which is still to the south of her. She still has a very long day ahead.

I found the link from the earlier post looks like am awsome place to visit when god's fury isn't raining down on you.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x5117434#5120135

Keep that candle lit and keep this thread kicked.

[nofurylike]

24. thank you for the re-orientation, stop the bleeding. sigh. i was hoping

mexicopat was getting a breather already.
i misunderstood her location.

soon, i hope. then the eye will apparently give her several hours of peace before the next lashing, which should be comparatively less fierce too.

hang in and hang on to us all, mexicopat, and all there!!

yes, keeping my candle burning, thank you, stop the bleeding!


peace!

[Baclava]

34. Long day indeed

I road out Ivan alone at night in the screaming banshee winds...
It's no fun.

[nofurylike]

49. glad you made it, Baclava! and it lends me optimism for mexicopat. eom

[stop the bleeding]

54. Have either of you(Baclava) heard anything about Mexicopat?

Baclava is that greek? I saw that Kalissa posted some more pictures, the good news is it looks like from the latest reports (11pm EST)that it is going to go over the island a little quicker. The bad news is, it is still a Cat 4.

This will be a long night / weekend.

[Baclava]

65. No word - don't really expect any soon.

Greek, yes - I lived in Greece for a year...got hooked on fresh homemade bread and pastries every day.

[stop the bleeding]

67. My lady is greek, we eat at her mom's house every sunday n/t

[tavalon]

71. I've been there a number of times

It is beautiful land.

[uppityperson]

22. Hope you are managing

we'll be happy to hear your stories later, hang in there.

[nofurylike]

25. i can't wait to hear your your stories of this passage, mexicopat. eom

[annabanana]

26. MSNBC just reported Island of Women was "cleared"

(meaning evacuated...)along with other coastal regions..
that's where she was....
She must be in a shelter..

[Individualist]

27. I certainly hope so

Last night she said the island was only five miles long, a half mile wide, and the highest point on the island was only 6 or 7 feet above sea level. I hate to think of what the storm surge will do to that place.

[Buns_of_Fire]

28. Kicking for mexicoxpat...

...who is hopefully in a shelter way inland by now! We're still here. Still with you. Still sending good vibes. Still praying.

Vaya con Dios.

[Baclava]

43. I hope so...for all those out there.

Just said on CNN Andrew type damage right now in Cancun - 140mph sustained winds and higher gusts.

[Nothing Without Hope]

57. The last she wrote yesterday said that she was still on "the small island"

and that it was too late to leave. So it's not clear what that report means for her situation.

[tavalon]

72. I think she missed out on the evacuation

I do hope MSNBC has it right but it is MSNBC after all.

[Tsiyu]

29. Gotta work, but just wanted to ask someone

to PM her with a link to this thread so she can find it more easily. ( some smart DUer no doubt has done so already)

Hope you are safe. I keep thinking about bamboo!!!!!

:hi:

[stop the bleeding]

30. go to go home will follow threads when I get there, thoughts are still

with all who are stuck in Wilma's hell.:hide:

[EC]

33. kick ...n/t

[immoderate]

35. Hope you're OK.

Kick

--IMM

[Generic Other]

36. Still vigiling with you mexicoxpat!

Hang tight.

[donheld]

37. I'm sure Mexicoxpat has no electicity or phone

Hope she's ok.

[ClayZ]

38. Keeping candles lit for mexcoxpat!

Hope the worst is over and calm comes soon!

[NMDemDist2]

40. another candle for mexicopat, looks like she's getting pounded

:cry:

[HeeBGBz]

41. Her island is getting the right quadrant of the storm

I'm really worried. Plus it's supposed to stall out and do the 40 inch rain thing.

Lighting an evening candle for Mexicoxpat.

[Baclava]

42. Maybe they evacuated inland...

That would've been the best thing to do.

[stop the bleeding]

44. No she tried but by the time she got to the ferry it was closed and

the only other option was to find and pay a independent boater to take her across. Last I heard she was going to stay with friends on the island in a 2 story house, but that was yesterday I think. I have been away from these threads for about 4 hours, so much news going on its hard to stay on top of things. Will check back in a minute have to go and scan the Hurricane info sites. I live outside of Tampa about 1-2 miles from the coast so between Plamegate, Delay, Syria, Wilma and probably a few others that I am forgetting my plate is full.:hide:

[nadinbrzezinski]

45. with you kid

[Roxy66]

46. Kick

[BobMorr]

48. kick

Praying for you-hang in there!

[AirmensMom]

47. Kick.

:kick:

[nofurylike]

50. lit another candle. with you, mexicopat! please feel our embrace! eom

[bear425]

51. Hope you're ok, MexicoPat.

Let us know as soon as you can! :hug:

[wovenpaint]

52. Thinking of you!

Hope to hear from you as soon as you can....hang in there

[Kailassa]

53. Some pics to show where mexicopat and wilma are.

http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/storm_graphics/AT24/refresh/AL2405W+gif/211256W_sm.gif

[dave29]

56. here with ya

hang in there

[Sydnie]

59. Still sending safe thoughts your way

Hoping to hear from you soon!

[Straight Shooter]

61. Thinking of you, mexicopat.

Hold on, we are with you there in spirit. :hug:

[understandinglife]

62. Hoping you are OK.

Peace.

[alittlelark]

63. I will feel so much better when I get to hear from you.

[rumpel]

64. I heard the authorities cut off power for safety reasons, anyone hear from

mexicoxpat?

[readmoreoften]

66. We're with you, Mexicopat! Kick.

Let's keep this kicked until we find out she's okay. Kicked, recommended.

[flyarm]

68. sending love and prayers and keeping a candle lit till you return

to us mexicoexpat....we need you ...and we can not rest till we hear from you!!

god speed girl...come back to us soon!! and with all your health ...safely...

i am sooo worried about you.........fly

[Polethebear]

69. Sorry,It took me awhile to get here

but this ol bear is here too.

I got prayers but I wanta to think of some things to maybe make you laugh and maybe put you at ease,just a though


I'll try and think of something.

[Polethebear]

70. Try visuals....

If you get really scared,close your eyes and think of funny and/or positive stuff.

-The Democrats taking back both houses next year!!

-Dick Cheney in a Girdle(Well,Ok)

-Rove and Libby in Jail

-Chimp ordering off the kiddies menu because it's the only thing he can read.

-Cheney in a girdle,in jail

-Chimp in Jail

-Angels

-The view outside where you are but calm

-Babs Bush's limo breaking down in the hood


I'll try and think of some more.

[BamaBecky]

74. Watching the news & thinking about you!..n/t

[Tsiyu]

75. We're still here, keeping vigil

I hope you were able to leave for a shelter.

We'll be here patiently waiting to hear all about it!

[fleabert]

76. you are still in my thoughts, I hope you are okay, along with everyone

else in Wilma's path, or swath as it is... What a beast this storm has become.

[Festivito]

77. Hope you and your neighbors dry out nicely.

It's hovering over you, so I'm sending a shielding umbrella hug. It's not much in light of the pounding rain. Just trying.

[thinkingwoman]

78. kick

Be safe

[BobMorr]

79. Kick

Hang in there!

[tjdee]

80. Hope you went to stay with that annoying family...

Hope all of you are alright.

[malaise]

81. Hope the worst has passed

Mexicopat.

[soup]

83. Thinking of you

and hoping you can feel all the positive thoughts coming your way.
For those following the thread,

reports from yesterday:

14:09 Reporta alcaldesa de Isla Mujeres, Manuela Godoy, inundaciones en toda la isla. Están desbordadas de agua las salinas.

2:09 pm Manuela Godoy, mayor of Isla Mujeres, report flooding on the entire island. Salt marshes are overflowing with water.
http://www.el-universal.com.mx/notas/311574.html

another page from El Universal Online:

Wilma: Su paso en la península (Minuto por minuto)
http://www.el-universal.com.mx/notas/311574.html

and a web page translater here:
http://www.freetranslation.com/free/web.htm

this morning:

Per Reuters: "Wilma dumped 23 inches of rain yesterday (Friday) on Isla Mujeres island, an unprecedented downpour for Mexico."

AP reports: "On Isla Mujeres, an island getaway off the coast of Cancun, Mayor Manuela Godoy told a local radio station that the situation was critical. The island's salt flats were flooding and rising waters were threatening nearby buildings."

"Off the coast of Cancún, Manuela Godoy, the mayor of Isla Mujeres, reported flooding across the island. Two women gave birth at a hospital there just before the storm hit, El Universal newspaper reported."

I'm monitoring these updates at the message board here:
http://www.myislamujeres.com/communicating/open_forum.asp
note: It's loading verrry slowly.

and these reports from a man in Cancun:
http://www.stormcarib.com/reports/2005/mexico.shtml

--

So very concerned about everyone in the entire area, and mexicopat in particular. Hope they are not having to endure this storm much longer and will soon see clear skies and calm seas.

[babylonsister]

101. Thanks for these links, soup. I was wondering

about an isla forum; I've been checking out the PDC forum for the past few days.

http://www.playa.info/playa-del-carmen-forum/

[tavalon]

84. Mexicopat

I'm still here waiting for you. May you have passed through this storm by now.

[annabanana]

85. dearest mexipat

the radar is most distressing... I hope you are holding tight to something solid.

We will wait here until we hear from you.

[meganmonkey]

86. Told a friend about you yesterday, she lit a candle too

we're still sending you prayers for safety and strength. Hope to hear from you soon.

:hug:

[wryter2000]

87. Hey, Mexico Pat

Love coming your way from Oaktown. :grouphug: :pals:

[Tsiyu]

88. Keepin' it close to the top n/t

[goclark]

89. Prayers and comfort to you nt

[nonconformist]

90. Still here for ya mexicoxpat

I'm sooooo worried about you. Positive thoughts and prayers continue to be sent your way.

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

91. My thoughts are still with you (((Mexicopat)))) !!!!!! nt

[spooky3]

92. hoping to hear you are safe, Mexicopat.

[chalky]

93. kicking.

n/t

[tavalon]

94. Why is it I'm hearing so little about Wilma

She's been over the Yucatan Peninsula for over 24 hours! I can't imagine the level of devastation they must have at this point. I do hope Mexicopat is okay. I suspect it will be a while before we hear from her.

[EvolveOrConvolve]

96. Why would the US media give a shit

about all the brown people down their in Mexico. If the Yucatan was filled with dying rich white republicans, the story would be huge. </sarcasm>

Not to worry though, once Jeb's kingdom is being pummelled by Wilma, the assholes will be covering the story. And they'll probably be breathless in anticipation of showing us the death and destruction 24 hours a day.

[pitohui]

97. they're having trouble getting news out

this is a huge storm that stalled for a long time, communications are effed

i have great fear what we will learn when the authorities are able to get in & report

35 inches of rain on isla mujeres, i hope mexicopat & others stranded there were able to get to higher ground

[brook]

95. Keeping the lights on...

for mexicopat and everyone else in Wilma's grasp. Been checking locogringos and several other sites - they're taking a beating -they say it should begin to let up tomorrow.

<imagining mexicopat tucked in a safe spot, bathed in white light>

[helderheid]

98. this cam has been out since the 20th

http://www.cancun.bz/weather/cancun_weather_webcam.htm

[BobMorr]

103. kick

kick with a prayer

[helderheid]

99. more cams - all stopped on the 20th

http://www.royalresorts.com/webcam.stm

[babylonsister]

100. Another kick and hug for MX Pat!

I hope the worst has passed and you are safe. We all look forward to hearing from you!:grouphug:

[annabanana]

102. another kick and a prayer

for you MexicoPat!

[EuroObserver]

104. Americans organising immediate aid to Isla Mujeres

From the message board soup links to im message 83 (thanks, soup):

here: http://www.myislamujeres.com/communicating/open_forum.asp?entry={0D6364A9-3D08-4E28-9308-35020E97C4B3}

<snip>

Subject: Donation coordination in progress via Chris, Becky & Molly
By: island girl (View Profile)
Created: 10/22/2005 11:28:04 AM

Message:
OK guys, we are working on a way to get much needed supplies to the island. Im Chris's sister, and he, Molly and I are starting a new business called Art and Philanthropy (www.artandphilanthropy.com). We sell art and donate a portion to causes throughout Latin America, including Isla. We were supposed to meet in Punta Mita on Thursday, where we are opening a gallery. Obviously thats not going to happen. So I am redirecting my flight to Cancun as soon as the airports open. Molly is planning on making the 48 hour drive with her SUV packed full of medical supplies. We are also trying to work with a trucking company from the states to deliver supplies as well. We'll take anyones donations as soon as we have everything worked out. Most importantly, money. So start thinking of what you can give. I'm going to post later this afternoon with complete details. Anything you can give will help.

Responses:

* RE: Art to donate
By: utica, Created: 10/22/2005 2:21:31 PM
o RE: Art to donate
By: island girl, Created: 10/22/2005 3:15:34 PM
+ RE: Art to donate
By: utica, Created: 10/22/2005 5:40:58 PM
* RE: Donation coordination in progress via Chris, Becky & Molly
By: mcclain, Created: 10/22/2005 12:00:39 PM
o RE: Donation coordination in progress via Chris, Becky & Molly
By: island girl, Created: 10/22/2005 12:12:49 PM
* RE: Donation coordination in progress via Chris, Becky & Molly
By: LesleyGaddis, Created: 10/22/2005 11:44:50 AM
o RE: Donation coordination in progress via Chris, Becky & Molly
By: island girl, Created: 10/22/2005 12:01:04 PM
+ RE: Paypal account
By: Laura map chick, Created: 10/22/2005 12:35:18 PM
# RE: Paypal account
By: Trina, Created: 10/22/2005 3:35:15 PM
# RE: Paypal account
By: island girl, Created: 10/22/2005 12:40:56 PM
* RE: Paypal account
By: Laura map chick, Created: 10/22/2005 1:22:56 PM
o RE: Paypal account
By: island girl, Created: 10/22/2005 1:30:27 PM


</snip>

[flyarm]

106. please do let us know...

ready and waiting to donate!!

fly

[EuroObserver]

108. Will do. Will check back in 8 hours or so

after sleeping some.

Plus, anyone can follow the thread on the Isla Mujeres message board, link above. Looks like its free to register to post there too, no strings attached.

Over to you for awhile...

[Name removed]

136. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[EuroObserver]

139. Hi there Rebecca

Thank for posting this and welcome to DU!

We'll be keeping ourselves informed here - largely thanks, no dounbt, to you!

[soup]

116. Thank you for sharing this, EuroObserver.

The boards were loading so slowly, I didn't want to spend too much time there for risk of overloading them.

We don't have much, but if someone posts the PayPal link here, I'll give what I can. Those poor people have been thrugh hell the last couple of days. May it end soon and the sun shine on them again.

[EuroObserver]

119. Hi soup. I also found this IslaMujeres blog, and just posted there:

It's a sort-of specific blog on the Weather Underground board (someone worried about their peoperty there) that could maybe be taken advantage of...

http://www.wunderground.com/blog/IslaMujeres/show.html

[soup]

121. Again, thank you.

So very concerned here. It's a bit surprising how much the welfare of the people in our DU community means to me. People I've never met, people I may never meet, but I hold you all close to my heart.

Hoping it won't be too long before we hear that MexicoPat is ok, and that everyone on the island somehow made it through. What a horribly long haul this has been for them.

[annabanana]

125. Thanks for the link

(I'll be watching for updates)

[flyarm]

105. OHHHH LORDY I WISH WE WOULD HEAR FROM HER!!

still saying pryers and the candle will be lit until we hear from our dear mexicoxpat!!

please let her be in a safe haven...

fly

[ultraist]

109. Me too! n/t

[NoBushSpokenHere]

107. reports of 64 inches of rain..........this is awful

I sure hope mexipat was able to climb high. Lighting another candle.

[TroubleMan]

111. not to mention storm surge.

That's a lot of water.

[tavalon]

110. Damn

I hope she got out of there.

[tkmorris]

112. pic from Isla Mujeres

I found this posted on a Cancun message board.



Remember this is a barrier sort of island. It's barely above sea level on the high end, the south side. This is nothing but surge and a TON of rain. Over 5 feet of rain reportedly.

[laylah]

113. Thoughts and prayers

MexPat!

[fleabert]

114. Kick till we hear from Mexicoxpat...

:hug: and hope...

:kick:

[Fla Dem]

127. kick n/t

[stop the bleeding]

115. As of 8-10pm some of the independent forecasters from the NHC

are reporting in their blogs that Wilma has started her trek into the gulf and is leaving the Yucatan, the bad news is that area is almost completely without communications with the exceptions of some people blogging when they can. We will have to wait and pray that Mexicopat and all of the other lives on her island and the surrounding area are all right. In addition the indy forecasters are surprised that Wilma came off the Yucatan sooner than expected and she maintained her organization better than expected. So given these variables the forecasters are expecting a Major Hurricane to hit W. Florida, major being at least a 3 but they are really unsure about the intensity when it arrives since this storm and several other storms including Alpha have defied normal logic this season. Look at how quickly Wilma went from a Cat 1 to a Cat 5 within a 12-18 hours period, no one for casted that. So the verdict is still out on how well she will gain strength, but based on the fact that she maintained strength, organization and did not stay over land as long as thought these reasons are why the forecasters are calling for a Cat 3, and all of the computer models have been shifting/nudging northward. So now there is talk of a strike between Naples and Sarasota. Florida should be prepared for storm surge that would be with a Cat 4 due to the forward motion and speed of the storm, this could be catastrophic for any populated area on the west coast since most of the elevation is in a range of 0-15 for the 1st - 3 miles inland on the coast. Will try to post an update later. I am on the coast just outside Tampa, wanted to post here to keep thread kicked but also to give people general info on the Yucatan. As the weather starts to degrade over the next 24-36 hours I may start a new post to keep people updated that do not live in FL. Sorry for the lengthy but detailed explanation but I thought it would help. Keep the candles lit for Mexicopat and all of the other people that have and will have to endure this. The 3 sisters, Katrina, Rita, and Wilma, when I have kids I will not be naming my girls after these names no offense to anyone but I think people understand. Will check back later with possible update after 11pm EST. O8)

[EC]

117. kick

:kick:

[fleabert]

118. kick, don't forget about the Yucatan people!

:kick:

they may need us badly!

[tavalon]

120. And let's kick this for the morning folk

We're here, mexicopat.

[BobMorr]

122. kick for the morning people

kick and a prayer

[fleabert]

123. kick and the latest update from locals--not mexicoxpat though, :-(

http://stormcarib.com/reports/2005/mexico.shtml

we are still thinking of you mexicoxpat, please update asap. :hug:

here is another update I found, looking for info about isla mujeres...
We have some very troubling information coming from our team in Cancun. Police and military are reporting the following:

The Boulevard Kukulcan where all of the hotels are located is no longer visible. The Caribbean Sea has crossed over and met the Lagoon and the waters are rising. All hotels in the hotel zone are flooded and taking water.

The Hyatt Hotel (not sure whether it is Regency or Cancun Caribe) has suffered "extensive structural damage". If you remember earlier images in the thread there were some photos from Televisa of the Hyatt Hotel taken from The Mall Forum by the Sea.

The Hurricane has provoked tornados in the region as well as in Cuba where 4 tornados caused some destruction there.

80% of Cancun is flooded with 3 to nearly 5 feet of water.

The Mayor of Cancun and the Committee for Hurricanes made a tactical decision about 2 hours ago to evacuate some of the areas as well as some of the shelters that are in danger of flooding. The governor of Quintana Roo said in a press release just an hour ago that Cancun and the Riviera Maya has received unprecidented damage and the worst is yet to come.

We do not know what areas yet or whether they are locals or tourists.

Again the downtown area is flooded as well and Gaby is reporting that our friends from Televisa are trapped in a hotel downtown and are awaiting rescue from military staff.

There has still only been one reported death in Cancun and the 9 injured in Playa Del Carmen so far.

Susana Lopez is reporting that they are not able to leave the hotel where they are in downtown called the Handel Hotel because of high water and currents passing the hotel.

Military Troops have arrived from Veracruz and Tabasco with Boats and equipment prepared to move in and evacuate or rescue after the storm has died down.

State Police reported just a short while ago that the area of the Hilton Cancun and the Marriott is "out of control". We don't know what that means as communication in Cancun is minimal.

posted on October 22, 2005 12:12AM
at http://help.stormcarib.com/read.php?5,2223

[fleabert]

126. last I could find, it is still raining, but the worst of the storm has

passed. Flooding will likely continue in the peninsula.

kick for MXxpat- I am finally going to bed, for a bit at least.
:kick:

[EuroObserver]

124. Update on immediate aid to Isla Mujeres

Update on immediate aid to Isla Mujeres

The quoted likely reliable source:
http://www.myislamujeres.com/communicating/open_forum.asp?entry={DF6313C5-29A5-4932-8643-4C895D0151AA}

<snip>

Subject: update for those wanting to help!!!
By: island girl (View Profile)
Created: 10/22/2005 11:13:30 PM

Message:
We have had a great response from you all. Im glad to see that you really want to help. Im sure some think that the work of two women isn't going to make a difference, but it will with your help. We have contacted crisis experts, doctors, vets, transportation services, private airlines, and our network of hundreds island lovers we've met over the years living on isla. And things are really coming together. So thanks a lot to those who are willing to help. We'll continually keep you updated, and if you need the donation info, its posted a bit below under "how you can help".

</snip>

Here's how you can help:
http://www.myislamujeres.com/communicating/open_forum.asp?entry={47EC6B4F-F403-49AA-B395-512054BC2EB4}

<snip>

Subject: Here's how you can help
By: island girl (View Profile)
Created: 10/22/2005 7:27:50 PM

Message:
We are collecting funds for the islanders to provide food, medicine, and temporary shelter. Molly will be leaving for the island as soon as we are able to enter. This may take days. We've been warned that the armada might not allow us to go right away. Im not sure if thats true. But as soon as we get the OK, we're going down to help.
As you all have seen from the news clips, the damage is immense to say the least. They are going to need so much help. So we are asking you to donate. Any amount is fine. Anything you can give. Even if its $20, that will buy 8 “dispensas” rations. That covers a family of 4 for a week. Rice, beans, cornflour, the basics. We need supplies too, clothes, medical supplies etc. But at this time we have no way to transport them, so if you can give money, please do. Molly and I were planning the next week to open our Art and Philanthropy gallery in Punta Mita, but this is to big to ignore. So we're putting it on hold and going to help. We have the time and drive to do this, as we both lived there for over four years. Most of you cant leave to help. But you can help by donating, so please do.

This is a message from Molly:
Rebecca and I are working on coordinating relief efforts for the islanders. Unfortunately, without communication, this is a hard task. So I have contacted disater relief people- experts- on how to prepare myself and what supplies will be needed. The main things are obvious, food, water, clothing, antibiotics and TARPS! Tarps and more tarps for shelter, protection and shade. Currently we don't know how Mexico is going to work with customs and allowing supplies in. In my experience heading spay and neuter clinics, customs can be really tough to work with. So the most immediate way you can help is through monetary donation. With donations we can purchase the materials needed in Mexico for the relief work. I am working on the collection of supplies and transportation for them. We have contacted a transportation company here inthe US who has worked with past crisis situations resulting from hurricanes. It looks like they can help get supplies brought to the island. But we don't know when. As soon as I know when I can get there safely I will be going along with my husband. My husband lived there for 10 years before we moved. There are many many friends and family from his hometown, as well as our old neighbors and community members. As we know more we will post.

For those who want to give, please e mail me at [email protected]. I'll give you details on where to send the money to.

Thanks everyone. Chris is going to be amazed to see how everyone pulled together to help. And very touched to see that his site made it happen!

</snip>

[EuroObserver]

132. Update with endorsement

Update: These certainly sound like people who know what to do: signs of initiative, intelligence and willingness to work for themselves while having enough heart to be altruistic, willing and able to help others.

Does anyone here know mexicopat's real name?

http://www.myislamujeres.com/communicating/open_forum.asp?entry={23434B2B-3443-47F2-BDAC-2537C5C92E3D}

<snip>

Subject: update for those wanting to help!!!!!
By: island girl (View Profile)
Created: 10/23/2005 10:29:25 AM

Message:
What a response!!! Good for you guys who want to help. I am reposting the donation info below for those who want to help. The strings are getting too long, I was afraid the message would get lost.
Late last night I realized a lot of you don't know who Molly and I are, and sometimes people are skeptical of donating to strangers. So Im making a little resume, so those interested can read through. If your not interested...I don't blame you!!

Molly Fisher Mendez moved to Isla Mujeres in 1999. She was the co-owner of Cosmic Cosas Bookstore on Avenida Matamoros. She lived on the island for over four years, co-founding Amigo de los Animales, heading bi-annual spay and neuter programs, creating and implementing programs for the Red Cross Kids Club. In 2003,she married her husband, Eduardo, and moved to Puerto Vallarta area to teach. Currently she has co-founded Casa Comunidad, a community center for children and families in the Punta Mita Region.

Rebecca Peragine moved to Isla in 2000 with her brother Chris (webmaster. Together they opened Aluxes Coffee House. Chris, Molly and I worked together on tons of fundraising projects, participated in pachanga events, headed island clean-up projects, etc. I married my husband Gianluca, former owner of Al Forno pizzeria (now Paco's Pizza)had a son, Giovanni and moved back to the US.
Through the years on isla, one way we raised funds was by having art expositions out of my coffee house. We found artists, displayed their work and gave proceeds to needed causes. Since then, we decided to take that concept and turn it into a business. So Art and Philanthropy was born. Currently, our gallery in Punta Mita, Mexico was supposed to be opening in the next few weeks. I was planning on flying down Tuesday to do the finishing work. But since Art and Philanthropy was born in Isla Mujeres, and the concept of the business is essentially to help people in need, we couldn't ignore the problem. So we are postponing our gallery opening to go help.

<snip>

Subject: RE: many positive experiences donating to Isla in the past
By: WynneFreeman (View Profile)
Created: 10/23/2005 11:17:26 AM

Message:
I must say that I am thankful to Molly Fisher & friends for their efforts in coordinating relief to be sent to Isla. My family has been coming yearly to Isla since 1995. Each summer we hold a tennis clinic for the island children. The past 3 summers, I have brought a group of my high school Spanish students to help coordinate this project & others we have going in Isla. It has always been a pleasure working with Molly & Genevieve. I can always count on them to help me coordinate our projects and put me in contact with others on the island who can facilitate our efforts. I would not hesitate to trust Molly with any monetary donations we might be able to raise. I plan to contribute to her relief effort & have complete confidence & trust in her ability to "make things happen".
Three years ago after Isadore, Dr Greta Shorey was running the Red Cross Clinic. My students raised 1200.00 for hurricne Isadore relief. Dr Greta & her husband Michael bought supplies for re-building with this money and gave them out as they saw fit. They even tried to make sure they gave the roofing supplies to people whom we knew personally. The next year when we returned to Isla, we were given tours of the repairs by our friends who were so thankful for our contributions. Greta emailed us photos of our friends & their repairs that we posted in the classroom. This was an especially rewarding experience for my students, because they knew the people they were donating to.
All this to say, I think the relief efforts will best be handled by locals like Molly who can coordinate the effort from Mexico. I have personally witnessed Molly's tenacity with various projects, Kid's Club, Amigos de los Animales etc and I have complete confidence in her ability to make things happen. I have always found her to be dependable and trustworthy and I have no reservations about sending funds to her to despense as she sees needed.
Wynne Freeman
St Paul's Episcopal School
Mobile, Alabama

</snip>

[soup]

135. Donated via PayPal.

Felt so helpless here just worrying and waiting.

I wasn't able to send much ($20), but the thank you note I received included the following assurance: "it will buy food rations for up to 8 people for a week. It will buy tarps for shelter for two families."

[fleabert]

138. I sent a message to the Admins...

I asked if they could find her real name and post on the people finder boards for us. I haven't heard back yet and I might not...but I feel like we should at least try!

[EuroObserver]

143. Good to try I think (but don't post name here)

Please PM me if you get it.

I'll email Rebecca (Island Girl - Island Gil here - see #136) for them to look out for mexicopat when they get there too - but I see she's already made it onto this board and this thread!

[fleabert]

146. will do, but I doubt they will give me the name,

i gave them an earlier link to the boards posting locally about finding people, and they have this thread of course. So I assume they would handle it if they thought it prudent to look for her. I am hoping that she just gets a chance to check in with us, after getting in touch with family and getting herself shelter and care of course.

[stop the bleeding]

128. Kicking and hoping. n/t

[qanda]

129. Thinking of you mexicopat

I hope you are okay.

[charlyvi]

130. Please let us know how you are asap!

Thinking of you.....and kick!

[Stephanie]

131. No word from her yet, huh?

Well I'm sure there's no power still.

[Blue Diadem]

133. We're still thinking about you MP!

Anxiously waiting to hear from you. :grouphug:

[nickyt]

134. Know it will be a day or two, but we are keeping you with us 24/7

[chalky]

137. Kicking until we hear from MP.

n/t

[tavalon]

140. kicking for mexicopat n/t

[AirmensMom]

141. Another kick.

:kick:

[ClayZ]

142. Another Kick!

:kick:

[EuroObserver]

144. Would someone like to start a continuation thread

posting the vital information, please?

I really must get some sleep now and don't want to do the job badly through overtiredness.

[BobMorr]

145. Keep talking to me please-(thread three)

Continuation of our vigil.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x5144966