The United Nations (UN) and Humanitarian Country Team expressed their sympathies to those who were affected by Typhoon Odette that hit the regions of Visayas and Mindanao over the weekend.
“Over the weekend, humanitarian assessment teams were able to access areas and communities hit hardest by Typhoon Odette for the first time,” said Gustavo Gonzalez, UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator in the Philippines, in a statement on Monday, Dec. 20.
“The reports and images of utter devastation they are sending back are heartbreaking and our deepest sympathies go out to those who lost so much, including loved ones,” he added.
Gonzales also lauded the frontline responders led by government authorities, armed forces, and the Red Cross, and others who assisted in the evacuation, search, and rescue efforts.
“On behalf of the UN and the Humanitarian Country Team, our message to the people of the Philippines is one of solidarity and support,” he said.
Gonzalez, meanwhile, assured the agency is closely coordinating with the government “to ensure we provide timely support and are fully mobilized in addressing critical gaps and the needs of the most vulnerable.”
“A coordinated response by the UN agencies, NGOs, and private sector partners in country is already underway to meet immediate needs in shelter, health, food, protection, and other life-saving responses,” he added.
A total of 208 deaths have been reported due to Typhoon Odette as of 6 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 20.
As of Sunday, Dec. 19, more than 130,000 families from Regions V, VI, VIII, X, XI, Mimaropa, and Caraga were affected by the typhoon.