The U.S. Embassy in Teguicigalpa issued the following Warden Message on 8 July 2008: “According to media reports, there was a massive toxic leak from a container in which a shipment of sodium hydrosulfate was being stored on the property of the Honduran National Port Authority (Empresa Nacional Portuaria - ENP) at approximately 2:00 a.m. on Monday, July 7, 2008, which forced the evacuation of an estimated 100,000 residents from Puerto Cortés, Honduras as well as school closings the following day. Most affected by the evacuations were the following neighborhoods: San Ramón, Campo Rojo, San Isidro, Los Mangos, El Faro and La Curva. The release of noxious sulfuric gas caused panic among the local evacuees and forced the hospitalization of at least 15 persons. There have been reports of persistent noxious fumes in some parts of the city, and some residents have suffered eye and throat irritation. The fire which appeared to have caused the leak has been put out, and clean up efforts are ongoing.

“Americans are advised to avoid unnecessary travel to Puerto Cortes, if possible, and should monitor the situation via media reports.”