MESSAGE FOR U.S. CITIZENS
U.S. Embassy, Manila, The Philippines
May 26, 2023
Travel Alert: Typhoon Season 2023
The U.S. Embassy alerts U.S. citizens to the upcoming typhoon season. Typhoon season in the Philippines generally begins in May and ends in November. The U.S. Embassy recommends that those in or traveling to the Philippines begin preparations for the upcoming season now.
During and after previous storms, U.S. citizens have encountered dangerous conditions often lasting for several days while awaiting transportation back to the United States. Emergency or security personnel may not always be readily available to assist. In the event of a typhoon, travelers should be aware that they may not be able to depart the area for 24-48 hours or longer.
If you live in or travel to the Philippines, the U.S. Embassy recommends you obtain travel insurance to cover unexpected expenses during an emergency. Minor tropical storms can develop into typhoons very quickly, limiting the time available for a safe evacuation. Monitor local radio and media to be aware of weather developments. Inform family and friends of your whereabouts and remain in close contact with your tour or hotel staff, transportation providers, and local officials for evacuation instructions during a weather emergency. You should consider preparing for typhoons by organizing a kit in a waterproof container that includes a supply of bottled water, non-perishable food items, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, any medications taken regularly, and vital documents (especially your passport and other identification). Emergency shelters often provide only very basic resources and may have limited medical and food supplies.
The following websites are excellent sources of information on typhoons in the Philippines:
· Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical & Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) – for weather and flood forecasts, severe weather bulletins, and tropical cyclone warnings.
· Typhoon2000 – Philippine website devoted to tropical cyclones.
· Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) – U.S. Navy website based at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii for storms in the Pacific and Indian Oceans.
For more information, please see the Department of State’s full Hurricane and Typhoon Season Warning.
Assistance:
*U.S. Embassy Manila: +63 (2) 5301-2000; ACSInfoManila@state.gov
*State Department – Consular Affairs: 888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444
*Philippines Country Specific Information
*Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)to receive Alerts *Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
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