No reports yet of Pinoy casualties in Florida due to Hurricane Ian —Philippine Embassy

NEW YORK - The Philippine Embassy in Washington, DC said they have not yet received reports of Filipino casualties in Florida due to Hurricane Ian.

In a text message to GMA News, Vice Consul Mark Dominic Lim of the Philippine Embassy in Washington, DC said they have not yet received any report of Filipinos needing assistance either.

“No reports of Filipinos needing assistance and No Casualty reported," Lim said.

Hurricane Ian made landfall in Florida on Wednesday afternoon (US time) and caused widespread destruction, after it brought devastation as well to Cuba.

Thirty-one people died due to Hurricane Ian, but search and rescue operation continues in heavily devastated areas.

Hurricane Ian caused power outage and flooding, uprooted trees and knocked down power lines.

The Philippine Embassy said it is monitoring the situation of 167,000 Filipinos living in Florida.

In its 5 p.m. EST Public Advisory No. 37, the National Hurricane Center said Hurricane Ian was downgraded into a post-tropical cyclone. It is currently tracking southern Virginia going east-northeast. Post-Tropical Cyclone Ian poses no more threat and is expected to dissipate on Sunday.

The embassy urged Filipinos needing assistance to call its emergency hotline numbers (202)368-2767 and (202)769-8049. —KG, GMA News