UN chief condoles with Ompong victims

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres extended his condolences to the families of the victims of Typhoon Ompong and commended the national and local leadership for preparedness efforts and response to affected communities.

Guterres said he was saddened by the loss of life and extensive destruction caused by the typhoon.

Dozens have been killed, with some of them buried by landslides while taking shelter from the storm.

The typhoon that slammed into Northern Luzon on Saturday continued a path of destruction across southern China early in the week.

“The United Nations system in-country is already working to support the government-led response efforts and stands ready to scale up assistance as requested,” Guterres said in a statement issued by the UN.

France also expressed its condolences to the families of the victims of Typhoon Ompong.

“We extend our sympathy to all affected by this catastrophe, and express our solidarity with the Philippine authorities, with which we stand ready to examine the assistance and aid they may need to face the consequences of this tragedy,” the French embassy said in a statement.

The British embassy in Manila said the United Kingdom offered assistance to the Philippine government in response to Typhoon Ompong, and are actively assessing needs in cooperation with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and Office of Civil Defense (OCD), as well as international partners.

International Development Secretary Penny Mordaunt said it is “terrible to hear news of the devastation and loss of life caused by Typhoon Mangkhut.”