Foreign office issues hurricane advice

Foreign office issues hurricane advice

Foreign office issues hurricane advice

The foreign office has said it has “full confidence” in the ability of consulate officials in the US to help any British tourists caught up in Hurricane Rita.

Millions of people have already left certain parts of Texas, with the category five hurricane forecasted to hit land in the early hours of Saturday morning local time.

British nationals in the region have been advised to “take very seriously” advice from local authorities, while foreign office staff are being flown in to help.

The department will be keen to avoid any criticism similar to that faced after Hurricane Katrina last month, where some British tourists accused diplomats of failing to provide effective help and support.

“I have full confidence that our officials in the US, who have worked tirelessly over the past weeks assisting British nationals in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, will continue their first class job in preparing for Hurricane Rita,” said minister Lord Triesman.