France, US offer prayers to ‘Urduja’ victims

FILE: Geostationary imagery of 2017’s Tropical Storm Kai-tak (32W) (Photo By Naval Research Laboratory – https://www.nrlmry.navy.mil/archdat/test/kml/TC/2017/WPAC/32W/visir/, Public Domain)

MANILA — After tropical storm “Urduja” lashed Eastern Visayas and southern Luzon, the French and United States government on Tuesday extended its full solidarity and prayers to Filipinos and the Philippine government as it begins efforts rebuilding damaged areas.

In a statement sent to the media, French Embassy in Manila said “France expresses its condolences to the families of the victims of the floods and landslides caused by the Tropical Storm Urduja.

“In these difficult circumstances, France extends its sympathies to the local authorities and communities, and assures its full solidarity with the Philippines,” it added.

According to the embassy’s press attaché, Camille Eve Marie Conde, there are no information yet on an upcoming assistance.

“None yet so far on assistance. I haven’t read anything yet about the Philippine government asking for assistance,” she told the Philippine News Agency.

The storm, which is now out of the Philippine area of responsibility, claimed 41 lives.

Data from the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council show that a total of 12,682 families are still sheltered in 381 evacuation centers in Mimaropa, Bicol, Eastern Visayas, Western Visayas, Centeral Visayas and Caraga.

For its part, the US Embassy in Manila said they also offer prayers to those killed and displaced due to “Urduja”.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have lost loved ones and hope those who were evacuated can return safely and quickly to their homes,” US Embassy press attaché Molly Koscina told PNA. (PNA)