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    08 August 2012| last updated at 08:22PM

    Malaysians in the Philippines safe from flood

    By Koh Kye Lee

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    Putrajaya: Malaysians working and studying in the Philippines are reported to be safe following the massive flood that has struck the republic.

    Foreign Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman said  those who registered with the Malaysian embassy in Manila  have been contacted and in so far, there are no reports or  notification of them being in distress.

    "Our embassy in Manila is closely monitoring the situation  and is in constant contact with the relevant Philippine  authorities," he told the New Straits Times yesterday.
    It was learnt that there are approximately 300 Malaysians  residing in the Philippines and the number could be higher as  there could be more as some has not registered with the  Malaysian embassy.

    The current flooding in Manila has been reported to  inundate some parts of Manila while all schools and some  government offices in the capital also remained closed.

    Anifah said the ministry is advising Malaysians who intend  to travel to Manila or the surrounding provinces to consider  deferring their travel temporarily until the situation im proves.

    "However, as for those who are in the city, it is best to take  the necessary safety precautions and to avoid flood prone  areas in Metro Manila, as well as to adhere to the updates and  alerts from the Philippine authorities," he added.

    Anifah, when asked if assistance would be extended to the  Philippine government, said the ministry is still monitoring  the situation as it develops and assistance will be provided if  needed.

    Meanwhile, Malaysians in the republic who require con sular assistance can contact Wisma Putra and the Malaysian  Embassy in Manila at 03-8887 4000 (during office hours) or  03-8887 4570 (after working hours) and (632) 864 0761 to  68.

    Manila and the northern Philippines have been hit by  severe weather since Typhoon Saola struck just over a week  ago, killing more than 50 people.

    In September 2009, Typhoon Ketsana hit the republic and  triggered flooding that killed more than 400 people and  Typhoon Nestat and Nalgae struck two years later, leaving  more than 100 dead.

    The current rain and floods are said to be worst to hit the  country since 2009.

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