Floods, landslides prompt travel advice from UK

The floods and landslides that devastated parts of Bicol, Visayas and Mindanao in past weeks have prompted an advisory from the United Kingdom to its nationals. In its travel advice updated Saturday (Manila time), the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) urged its nationals to follow Philippine authorities' advice. "There is severe flooding and accompanying landslides across the regions of South Luzon, Bicol, Central and Eastern Visayas, Caraga in Mindanao following heavy rains," it said. Also, it encouraged its nationals to log on to the National Disaster Risk Reduction Coordinating Council's website for updates. FCO also noted that while the typhoon season normally runs from July to November, typhoons can occur throughout the year. "Tropical depressions and cyclones typically bring strong winds and rain to the Visayas and Luzon regions, and particular care should be taken when traveling to Northern Luzon and the Bicol, Samar and Leyte regions," it said. It also reminded its nationals to take precautions against dengue, malaria and leptospirosis. "During the typhoon season you should exercise caution and follow the advice of the local authorities," it said. Citing Department of Tourism figures, the FCO said around 90,000 British tourists visit the Philippines every year. Most visits are trouble-free, it added. — LBG, GMANews.TV