On Hurricane Michael

09 October 2018 – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has alerted an estimated 232,000 members of the Filipino Community in five southeastern states in the United States to make the necessary preparations for Hurricane Michael, which is expected to sweep through the area beginning Wednesday.

In its report to Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter S. Cayetano, the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C. said it has also advised the Filipino Community in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina to monitor the movement of the storm and heed the warnings of local officials.

Although it still is a Category 1 hurricane, Ambassador Jose Manuel G. Romualdez said the National Hurricane Center predicts that Michael may be a Category 3 hurricane, with winds from 111 to 129 mph, when it makes landfall on Wednesday. He said the Filipino Community should prepare for storm surges, heavy rainfall, and hurricane-force winds until Thursday.

Ambassador Romualdez said the Embassy will continue to monitor developments and coordinate with the members of the Filipino Community in these areas. Filipinos who may be impacted by the hurricane and may need assistance are advised to contact the Embassy at (202) 368-2767. END