Several countries have offered humanitarian aid to the Philippines as they sent messages of sympathy amid the destruction caused by typhoon “Odette”, which pummeled through the Visayas and Mindanao a week before Christmas.
Odette, the strongest typhoon to hit the country this year, made its first landfall on Thursday evening, Dec. 16 in Siargao Island while a ninth landfall was recorded in Palawan on Friday afternoon, Dec. 17.
Gustavo Gonzales, the United Nations (UN) resident coordinator in the Philippines, said that the body is coordinating with the UN’s humanitarian country team, which is composed of relevant International and national non-government organizations (NGOs), as well as the private sector.
“We’re closely monitoring #OdettePH typhoon and pre positioning humanitarian support in close coordination with Government,” he wrote.
United States (US) Embassy to Manila charge d’affaires Heather Variava extended Washington’s “heartfelt sympathies” to those affected by typhoon Odette and its “sincerest condolences” to those who have lost their loved ones.
“The U.S. stands ready to assist our Filipino #FriendsPartnersAllies,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Chinese Embassy in Manila also said it is “saddened to learn” of the devastation that the typhoon caused to families in Visayas and Mindanao.
READ: Typhoon Odette exits PAR
"We stand in solidarity with all affected Filipino families in facing this challenge and are willing to offer assistance to help them tide over the difficulties in the spirit of Bayanihan,” the embassy added.
Ambassadors Koshikawa Kazuhiko of Japan and Anke Reiffenstuel of Germany also took to Twitter to sympathize with Filipinos.
“My heart and prayers go out to everyone in large parts of Visayas and Mindanao hit by Typhoon #OdettePH. My deepest respect to the brave first responders of the ongoing disaster relief and recovery operations in the area. I hope for everyone's safety,” Kazuhiko said.
“From what we have seen so far, the typhoon brought massive destruction. Good to see the committed work & anticipatory approach of @UNPhilippines also in addressing this challenge, and proud that (German flag) actively supports the UN in these efforts,” Reiffenstuel posted.
Canada’s envoy Peter MacArthur and Australian Ambassador Steven Robinson also offered to help the country as it deals with the aftermath of the typhoon.
“Canada stands with those affected by Typhoon #OdettePH. We are in contact with our #Philippines partners and are ready to assist. Conveying our sympathies to those injured and who may have lost family members, homes and livelihoods,” MacArthur said.
Robinson also expressed his government’s “thoughts and condolences".
“In partnership with the Philippine Red Cross we have released pre-positioned emergency supplies, and are continuing to work with (Philippine flag) on further options to help,” he wrote.
The death toll from Odette is now 14, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported.
READ: PNP reports 19 dead due to 'Odette' onslaught, over 95,000 still in evacuation centers
Nearly half a million people have been evacuated from typhoon-ravaged areas, while damage to public and private infrastructure has been pegged to reach billions.
Local government officials from Dinagat Islands, Bohol, Leyte to Cagayan de Oro are asking for donations to sustain the jam-packed evacuation centers. The provinces are grappling with lack of electricity, phone signal, potable water, and food.
Many areas in Visayas and Mindanao are still flooded.