US embassy in Manila closed due to floods

Citing safety and security reasons, the US Embassy in Manila was closed on Monday due to the floods and heavy rain that had affected Metro Manila since Sunday.

 

US Ambassador to the Philippines Harry Thomas Jr. announced this on his Twitter account, adding the embassy hopes to reopen on Tuesday.

 

"(The US) Embassy (in) Manila (is) closed for today due to flooding in Metro Manila.  We expect to re-open Tuesday.  Safety and security is paramount," he said.

 

He urged the public to stay home and be safe.

Flooding. Stay home. Be safe. Read a book. I am finishing "Mango Bride." What r u reading? pic.twitter.com/sANkDryGWg

— Harry K. Thomas, Jr. (@AmbHarryThomas) August 18, 2013

 

The embassy also posted a similar tweet on its own Twitter account.

 

"Consular services have been suspended in order to keep the public and our employees safe. Individuals with scheduled visa interviews should watch our website or contact our visa information service at 02-982-5555 to reschedule," it said on its Facebook account.

 

For American Citizens Services appointments, it said its Consular Section will be in touch to reschedule those interviews in the coming few days.

 

Those with emergencies involving US citizens may contact the American Citizen Services Unit of the Embassy’s Consular Section through the after-hours emergency telephone (632) 301-2000 or (632) 708-9703, it added.

 

Floods had affected several parts of Metro Manila since Sunday night.

 

On Monday, Malacañang ordered the suspension of classes and work in government offices in Metro Manila except government agencies involved in disaster response. —KG, GMA News