Brace for Hurricane Sandy, Filipinos in US East Coast told

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – Filipinos in the United States, especially those in the East Coast, are urged to brace themselves for Hurricane Sandy, said to be one of strongest storm to hit the mainland and expected to make landfall on Monday, October 29.

“We advise our kababayans staying along the path of Hurricane Sandy to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel until the storm has passed,” Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia said in a statement on Sunday, October 28, adding that a team from the Philippine embassy in Washington is on standby in case of emergency assistance.

Cuisia also advised the Filipino-American communities in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Virginia, District of Columbia, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York and Connecticut to stock up on food and other emergency provisions and to monitor local media for regular updates.

Forecasters said about 11 states will likely be affected. Cuisia said Filipinos in the affected areas should be ready for heavy rains, strong winds, power outages, floods, falling trees and flying debris when the hurricane hits land with maximum sustained winds of 75 miles per hour.

“Filipinos who may require assistance may call the Duty Officer of the Embassy in Washington D.C at 202-368-2767 or the Consulate General in New York at 917-294-0196,” the Embassy added. – Rappler.com