MANILA, Philippines – The United States embassy in Manila closed down after floods entered the compound along Roxas Boulevard due to strong waves coming from Manila Bay on Wednesday, August 1.
“The US Embassy will be closed today due to flooding. The Consular Section will reschedule missed visa interviews,” the embassy announced on Twitter.
Operations were disrupted and all employees were told to go home.
Apart from the embassy, staff of other establishments along Roxas Boulevard tried to protect their buildings with sandbags after heavy rain and strong wind sent water from Manila Bay to the highway.
Waves from the bay were almost two meters high, according to radio reports.
Both lanes of Roxas Boulevard — between T.M. Kalaw and Quirino avenues — were closed but as of Wednesday afternoon, the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said Roxas Boulevard is now passable but personnel are still clearing the road of debris.
The northbound section of Quirino-Rajah Sulayman is also temporarily closed to traffic due to “water surge,” said the MMDA.
Drivers are advised to take alternate routes: T.M. Kalaw coming from the south and Quirino coming from the north.
Other large compounds along Roxas Boulevard — like the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas or the Cultural Center of the Philippines — remain open as of 10 a.m., Rappler confirmed. – Rappler.com
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