UAE Embassy evacuates Florida of Emiratis before Hurricane Dorian
The Hurricane is scheduled to travel towards Florida next and skirt the southeastern coast of the US
September 1, 2019
At least 70 people, including Emiratis, GCC citizens and a UAE resident of Indian origin, were flown out of Florida by the UAE Embassy on Saturday in anticipation of Hurricane Dorian.
The Category 4 storm bore down on the Bahamas on Saturday with surging seas and winds of up to 240kph forcing some evacuations and hotel closures.
The hurricane is expected to travel towards Florida next and skirt the southeastern coast of the US. Even if it does not make direct US landfall, coastal states risk damaging winds and deadly flooding.
Most tourists who planned to leave the Bahamas got out before the main airport closed on Friday night.
On Saturday, the UAE Embassy in Washington DC chartered a plane from Miami to take dozens of people to safety.
The embassy also organised accommodation for the 70 evacuees, though it is unclear how long they will remain.
Embassy team received 70 evacuees this evening on a charter plane after departing from Miami ahead of hurricane Dorian scheduled to hit landfall. Amongst the evacuees were a number of GCC nationals and a UAE resident of Indian origin whom will be escorted to their accomodation. pic.twitter.com/SLtnliRSKj
— UAE Embassy US (@UAEEmbassyUS) September 1, 2019
Earlier, the UAE consulate in New York City issued a warning to Emiratis living in Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina.
It called on UAE citizens to monitor Hurricane Dorian closely on local news and follow instructions of local emergency services.
"If you need further assistance, call the UAE Consulate General in New York [646] 630-2575 or the UAE Embassy at [202] 431-5530 or in case of emergency, please call 911." the consulate said on Twitter.
Updated: September 1, 2019 06:31 PM
