Rains force evacuation of families in Taguig, hamper visibility in QC

Heavy rains flooded parts of Taguig City Wednesday, forcing the evacuation of families in at least two villages in Taguig City. At least 17 families were evacuated from Lower Bicutan village while 30 more were evacuated from Bagumbayan village, radio dzBB's Denver Trinidad reported. Evacuees from Lower Bicutan were brought to a nearby elementary school while those from Bagumbayan were brought to a "Gawad Kalinga" building. Wednesday's floods came less than 24 hours after heavy rains flooded several areas in Metro Manila. Meanwhile, heavy rains flooded parts of Metro Manila Wednesday, with motorists coping with poor visibility in some areas. In Quezon City, motorists along East Avenue had to switch on their vehicle headlights due to near-zero visibility, radio dzBB's Sam Nielsen reported. Earlier, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warned of heavy rains due to the monsoon enhanced by typhoon "Chedeng" (Songda). PAGASA also warned of the possibility of Chedeng passing through Metro Manila if it goes west and moves toward Samar and Bicol. US warden message Meanwhile, United States officials cautioned their nationals in the Philippines Wednesday to take proper precautions from rains and winds brought by typhoon Chedeng. In a warden message, the US Embassy advised US nationals to keep themselves updated, and to be aware of the location of local shelters. "In the event the typhoon affects your location, locate shelter, monitor media reports, and follow all official instructions. Carry your travel documents at all times (e.g. US passport, birth certificate, picture ID’s, etc.) or secure them in a safe, waterproof location. You should also contact friends and family in the United States with updates about your whereabouts," it said in the message posted on its Facebook page. The Embassy advised US nationals to log on to (PAGASA) website or to Philippine weather site Typhoon2000. It said they can also log in to the US Navy's Navy/Marine Corps Intranet site; or monitor developments on radio and television. Additional information on storm preparedness may be found on the “Natural Disasters" page of the Bureau of Consular Affairs website, the embassy said. Updated information on travel in the Philippines may be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 within the United States and Canada, or from overseas, 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 am to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except US federal holidays). Meanwhile, the Embassy said it is possible that the typhoon may force its temporary closure. In such a weather-related closure, the Embassy will issue a warden message. The embassy advised US nationals to continue to monitor its Embassy’s website for updated information; or consult the Country Specific Information for Philippines, available on the Bureau of Consular Affairs website. For emergencies involving US citizens, the American Citizens Services Unit of the Embassy’s Consular Section at 1201 Roxas Boulevard, Ermita, Manila can be contacted at telephone (02) 301-2000 extensions 2246 or 2567; after hours emergency telephone (02) 301-2000; fax (02) 301-2017; e-mail acsinfomanila@state.gov; web page http://manila.usembassy.gov/. If the Embassy public phone number, 301-2000, is not operational, US citizens who require emergency assistance may contact the American Citizens Services section through Facebook or through acsinfomanila@state.gov or by calling the United States at the following numbers: 202-501-4444 (if calling from outside the United States or Canada) or 1-888-407-4747 (if calling from within the United States or Canada). — LBG, GMA News