PH gov’t to Filipinos in Florida: Stay safe, monitor storm advisories

A lone pedestrian walks through the usual bustling South Beach ahead of Hurricane Irma in Miami Beach, Fla., Friday, Sept. 8, 2017. Florida has asked 5.6 million people to evacuate ahead of Hurricane Irma, or more than one quarter of the state’s population, according to state emergency officials. AP

The Philippine government on Saturday urged Filipinos in Florida to keep safe and stay indoors as Hurricane “Irma” makes a landfall this weekend.

READ: Irma’ victims in the Caribbean brace for another hurricane

“Members of the Filipino community have been advised to stay indoors, avoid unnecessary travels, and check the latest weather advisories and bulletins from government websites,” Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said in a statement.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), through the Honorary Consulate in Miami, is closely monitoring the situation, Abella said.

Millions have evacuated the state as the superstorm hit Cuba and the Carribean, reportedly killing at least 23 people along its trail.

The U.S. National Hurricane Center said Hurricane Irma, packing 260-kilometers-per-hour winds, is expected to hit Florida late Saturday (early Sunday, Manila time). JPV