'Pedring' forces US, Canada embassies to suspend work Tuesday

Bad weather conditions from Typhoon Pedring (Nesat) forced the United States and Canadian Embassies in Manila to suspend work for Tuesday. In an update on its travel advisory for the Philippines, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada said its embassy will be closed due to Pedring. "Canadians should exercise caution, monitor local news and weather reports, and follow the advice of local authorities. The Embassy of Canada in Manila will be closed on September 27, due to the storm," it added. The US Embassy similarly announced it was closing its office on Tuesday due to inclement weather. "Due to worsening weather conditions, the U.S. Embassy is closed today, Tuesday, September 27, 2011," it said on its Facebook account. On Monday, the US issued an emergency message to its nationals in the Philippines. In its emergency message, the US advised its nationals to keep updated, secure their travel documents, and inform US-based kin of their whereabouts. "In the event the typhoon affects where you live, locate shelter, monitor media reports, and follow all official instructions. Carry your travel documents at all times (i.e. U.S. 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. Also, it urged its nationals to listen to the radio, watch television, or monitor http://metocph.nmci.navy.mil, www.typhoon2000.ph, or www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph. They can also consult the “Hurricane and Typhoon Season" page of the Bureau of Consular Affairs website. 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 U.S. federal holidays)," it said. It also said that if weather conditions force the Embassy to temporarily close, US nationals should monitor the Embassy’s website for updated information. Also, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs will attempt to call all those with an existing appointment to reschedule. — RSJ, GMA News