PHL Consulate in Jeddah tells OFWs: Prepare for coming cyclone


By RONALDO CONCHA
Officials from the Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah on Saturday warned OFWs in Saudi Arabia to take precautionary measures ahead of a powerful tropical cyclone that is expected to make landfall in the western region of the Kingdom.
Consul General Edgar Badajos advised members of the Filipino community,  especially those in Najran and surrounding areas, to brace for torrential rains and possible flash floods from tropical cyclone Mekunu, seen to make landfall in these areas Sunday night.
"The Saudi General Authority of Meteorology and Environment Protection (GAMEP) has predicted heavy rains in some parts of the Kingdom from tonight until Tuesday," Badajos said.
Badajos added that GAMEP also sees the rain will be accompanied with active wind and dust swirls that will greatly affect visibility in Najran, especially in Al Kharkhir area.
Also, swirls of dust due to strong winds are expected to reduce visibility over Tabuk, Madinah, Makkah, Sharqiyah and Riyadh. Rainy clouds are further expected over Jizan, Asir and Al Baha region, Badajos added.
An estimated 8,000 Filipinos in Najran; 15,000 in Jizan; and 13,000 in Khamis Mushayt are in these areas. 
The Saudi Civil Defense has advised the public to stay away from streams and torrents down the valleys with the coming of heavy rains.
Those who may need assistance may call the Saudi Civil Defense through 998 or the Consulate’s hotline 0555219613. —LBG, GMA News

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