Filipinos can contact Consulate for info on typhoon casualties

Dubai: Philippine representatives in the UAE are compiling information on casualties from Typhoon Fengshen, as Filipinos here try to contact loved ones in affected areas.

Benito Valeriano, Philippine Consul-General in Dubai, said they have not received any reports of UAE residents affected in the disaster. "We're still trying to get information. The news is a bit sketchy at the moment," he said.

He advised residents who feared or suspected their loved ones might be affected to contact his office immediately instead of calling the Philippines directly.

Some Filipinos have not been able to contact their family members. Ebrahim Macalawan, from Parang town in Maguindanao Province, said he was "very worried" as he has not been able to contact his daughters, 19 and 8, or his sister. "I tried early this morning and her [phone] is off. I've been trying since to call her."

Valeriano said anyone who wanted to aid the recovery efforts could channel funds to the Philippine Red Cross, through the Consulate. They can also go to any Filipino organisation in the UAE.