Amid heavy rain, US Embassy to remain closed Thursday, reopen Friday

The United States Embassy in Manila will remain closed Thursday amid the heavy rain that fell on Metro Manila Wednesday afternoon, US Ambassador Harry Thomas Jr. said.

In a post on his Twitter account late Wednesday afternoon, Thomas said the embassy would reopen at 10 a.m. on Friday.

"The US Embassy will be closed Thursday August 9 and reopen at 10am on Friday. Everyone please stay safe and dry," he said.

His tweet came hours after the embassy announced on its website that it and its affiliated offices will reopen at 10 a.m. Thursday.

"The US Embassy in Manila and its affiliated offices will open for business on Thursday, August 9th at 10:00 a.m.," the embassy said earlier Wednesday.

At the time, it said American citizens with appointments for Aug. 7 and 8 will have their appointments re-scheduled by the Embassy.

The embassy was forced to suspend operations Tuesday and Wednesday due to bad weather conditions - heavy rain that brought floods to Metro Manila and nearby areas. — RSJ, GMA News

source: gmanetwork.com

DFA reschedules passport processing due to bad weather

The Department of Foreign Affairs-Office of Consular Affairs announced on Tuesday a new schedule for passport applicants who were unable to file their applications due to bad weather.

“In view of the continuing inclement weather brought about by heavy rains, passport applicants scheduled today, August 7, may come to the DFA-OCA and have their passports processed this entire week until Friday, August 10,” it said.

Passport applicants are advised to bring their appointment slips with them, the DFA said.

Earlier in the day, massive flooding due to heavy rain forced the US Embassy to suspend its operations.

The embassy, located along Roxas Boulevard in Manila, was submerged in thigh-deep floodwaters, reports said.

“U.S. Embassy will be closed August 7, 2012 due to flooding in many areas of Manila,” a statement on its website said.

On his Twitter account, US Ambasador to the Philippines Harry Thomas said: "The embassy is closed today due to excessive flooding in the streets and concern for the safety of our employees and consular applicants."

Last week, the embassy was also closed down after huge waves, compounded by high tide, swept past the seawall and a cement embankment along the scenic Roxas Boulevard at the height of the monsoon surge. — Michaela del Callar/RSJ, GMA News

source: gmanetwork.com