No Filipino hurt in massive flooding triggered by Dorian

FILE: Embassy of the Philippines in the United States (Photo By Aaron Siirila/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.5)

MANILA — No Filipino was hurt as Hurricane Dorian continues to pummel the Bahamas, triggering massive flooding in the Caribbean country over the past few hours, the Philippine Embassy in Washington DC reported.

“As of today, 2 September 2019 (local time), the leaders of the Filipino communities in the Bahamas have reported that the Filipinos in Dorian-hit Abaco and Grand Bahama are safe,” the Embassy said in a statement. Majority of the 2,000 members of the Filipino community in the Bahamas are residing in Nassau.

According to reports, at least five were confirmed dead as the storm continued its assault on the islands.

In an advisory posted an hour ago, the US National Hurricane Center urged the residents on Grand Bahama Island to remain in a shelter as they are currently experiencing the “eyewall” of Dorian.

The “extremely dangerous” Dorian remains stationary, said the NHC, producing strong wind gusts and storm surge reaching 12 to 18 feet “above normal tide with higher destructive waves”.

As Dorian makes its way to the southeastern coast of the United States, the Embassy also issued an advisory to the Filipino community in Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas to follow directions from local authorities and take all necessary precautions.

“The Filipino community in Miami, together with the office of Philippine Honorary Consul Henry Howard, has made preparations to help community members deal with the effects of the storm,” it said.

Filipinos who need assistance from the Embassy are urged to immediately call (202) 368 2767 or (202) 769 8049.