DFA alerts Filipinos in 5 US states to be ready for Hurricane Michael

The Department of Foreign Affairs has alerted the more than 200,000 Filipinos living in five southeastern states of the United States to prepare for the impact of Hurricane Michael.

Hurricane Michael is expected to make landfall on Wednesday with its effects to be felt in the states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.

The Philippine Embassy in Washington D.C. has advised Filipinos in the said states to monitor the movement of the hurricane and follow the instructions of local officials.

“The Filipino community should prepare for storm surges, heavy rainfall, and hurricane-force winds until Thursday,” Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez said.

The National Hurricane Center said that although Michael is still under Category 1 hurricane, it might be categorized as a Category 3 on Wednesday.

A Category 3 hurricane has maximum sustained winds ranging from 111 to 178 to 207 kilometers per hour

The Philippine Embassy in Washington also said it would continue to monitor weather updates and coordinate with the Filipinos in the affected areas.

Filipinos are advised to contact the Embassy in Washington if they need assistance due to the hurricane, the DFA said. /muf