PH embassy sends help to Filipinos in Irma-ravaged British Virgin Islands

Devastation wrought by Hurricane Irma in Tortola, British Virgin Islands where there are more than 200 Filipinos. AP PHOTO

WASHINGTON, DC – The response team from the Philippine Embassy has arrived in Puerto Rico today, and started coordinating with the Filipino community and local authorities for the delivery of supplies to, and facilitating the repatriation of Filipinos in the hurricane-ravaged British Virgin Islands (BVI).

“More than 90 kababayans have already enlisted for repatriation due to the continued hardships they face in getting necessities and medicines,” said Minister Patrick A. Chuasoto, Embassy Chargé d’Affaires.

“Our team will enter the BVI as soon as conditions allow for inbound travel to the territory. In the meantime, they are working closely with the Filipino leaders and relevant agencies in Puerto Rico and the BVI to facilitate the one-way journey of our kababayans from the BVI to the Philippines,” Minister Chuasoto further stated.

The Philippine Embassy clarified that those who volunteer to be repatriated will be brought directly to the Philippines.

The British Virgin Islands hosts an estimated 264 Filipinos who are mostly in the medical, accounting and construction sectors. Hurricane Irma roared through the BVI and the other islands in the Lesser Antilles in the past few days, leaving a trail of destruction and misery in its wake.

The Philippine Embassy continues to monitor the movement of Hurricane Irma, which has weakened to a category 3 storm after it battered Cuba overnight. However, Irma is projected to regain strength as it makes its way toward Florida, Georgia and South Carolina. It is expected to bring hurricane conditions to southern and central Florida this evening.

Following closely on its heels is Category 4 Hurricane Jose that veers toward Irma-devastated Barbuda, St. Martin and Anguilla. A tropical storm warning has already been raised for BVI.

Those who want to share or find information about the condition of their family members and friends in the abovementioned places may reach the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C. through the following contact information:

·      Emergency hotline:  +1 (202) 368 2767

·      Email addresses: [email protected] / [email protected]

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·      Twitter: @philippinesusa