HK cites Yolanda in renewing black travel alert vs PHL

Hong Kong on Tuesday renewed its black travel warning discouraging travel to the Philippines, this time citing the dangers from Super Typhoon Yolanda.

The black mark came a day after Hong Kong officials supposedly called up Malacañang to offer sympathies for the losses brought by what may be the worst typhoon to make landfall in recorded history.

In its travel alert updated Nov. 12, Hong Kong's Security Bureau cited the "widespread damage" caused by Yolanda when it hit the central regions of the Philippines.

"Typhoon Haiyan hit the central regions of the Philippines in early November 2013 resulting in widespread damage. Food and water shortages, deteriorating hygienic conditions, electricity outages and poor communications were reported in the affected area. The Philippine Government has declared a state of national calamity," it said.

The black advisory has been in effect since Aug. 23, 2010, when eight Hong Kong tourists were killed after being taken hostage on the bus they were in.

Hong Kong's renewed black travel alert came a day after Secretary to the Cabinet Jose Rene Almendras said in a media briefing on Monday that he got a call from the Hong Kong government "expressing their sympathies."

Hong Kong's three-level Outbound Travel Alert covers 85 countries considered popular travel destinations for Hong Kong residents.

The black alert represents a severe threat and residents are advised to "avoid all travel" to the countries in the list. Aside from the Philippines, the countries presently on this list include Egypt and Syria.

A second level, Red, represents a "significant threat" and advises travelers to adjust travel plans and avoid nonessential travel in countries included in this list.

Yellow, the third level, indicates "signs of threat" and advises residents to monitor their situation and exercise caution in the countries included in this list.

3 countries caution travel to E. Visayas

Earlier, at least three countries advised their nationals in the Philippines to avoid traveling to Eastern Visayas at this time.

In their respective travel advice updates, Australia, the United Kingdom and Canada said Yolanda had caused extensive damage in the region.

"The [UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office] advise[s] against all but essential travel to the Eastern Visayas region. Typhoon [Yolanda] has caused extensive damage across the Visayas region of the country," the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office said.

It said Samar and Leyte provinces were particularly badly damaged, adding there are food and water shortages in both provinces.

Other problems there may include "deteriorating health conditions (and) poor communications," it added.

The FCO added several other provinces in central Philippines were also badly damaged by the typhoon.

"You should check on local conditions before you decide to travel. If you’re in one of the affected regions, you should continue to follow the advice of local emergency authorities and let family and friends know you’re safe," it said.

Australia said Yolanda caused "a significant number of casualties and widespread damage in parts of the Leyte and Eastern Samar areas."

"There are reports of shortages of essential supplies in the affected area. Australians should continue to follow the instructions of local authorities and assess their ongoing need to remain in the affected area," it added.

It advised Australians needing consular assistance to call the Australian Embassy in Manila on (63 2) 7578100 or the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre in Canberra on +61 2 62613305.

Meanwhile, Canada advised its nationals to "avoid all travel to areas affected by Typhoon Haiyan."

"Transportation routes, electricity and telecommunications systems are heavily impacted in areas affected by the typhoon. Other services that are affected in these areas include emergency and medical care, as well as water and food supplies," it said.

It particularly cited Leyte, Eastern Samar, Samar, the northern portion of Cebu, parts of Panay Island including Northern Iloilo and Capiz, parts of Masbate, Northern Palawan (Coron), and Boracay Island as among the "worst hit areas." — BM, GMA News