US Consulate shut after blasts, asks nationals to be vigilant

A day after twin blasts rocked Hyderabad, the US Consulate in the city today remained shut and issued an "emergency message" asking American nationals to be more vigilant.
"In light of the recent bomb blasts in the Hyderabad area of Dilsukhnagar, US citizens are reminded to maintain a high level of vigilance and take appropriate steps to increase their personal security awareness and report any suspicious activity to local authorities," the Consulate said.
Soon after the blast, the Consulate through the post on its website said that it will remain closed on Friday for visa and other services, "while the incident is being investigated".

"We are continuing to monitor the situation and urge US citizens to follow media reports for further updates," it said.
The US Consulate General in Hyderabad also asked its employees to remain vigilant in crowded areas such as public transportation systems.
"Until the police investigation in the area is concluded, US Consulate General Hyderabad employees are told to not travel to the impacted area, practice good security, and remain vigilant in crowded areas such as public transportation systems (subways, buses, and railway stations).
"US citizens in need of emergency services should contact our duty officer," it said.
State police has been put on high alert. Teams of NIA, NSG and other elite agencies today began investigation into the twin terror blasts that left 16 persons dead and 117 injured last night.