The embassies of the United Kingdom, Japan, China, and the United States on Saturday, Oct. 29, expressed sadness over the devastation caused by Severe Tropical Storm “Paeng” that caused 45 deaths, promising that they are prepared to help the Philippines respond to the tragedy
The severe storm also left 18 people missing, and injured at least 33, latest official reports showed.
On Twitter, Ambassadors MaryKay Carlson of the United States, Laure Beaufils of the United Kingdom, Koshikawa Kazuhiko of Japan, and Huang Xilian of China all extended their condolences with the families of some 45 people who lost their lives due to the typhoon.
Carlson, Beaufils, and Huang said they were monitoring the situation, and were ready to assist the country in responding to the devastation caused by Paeng.
“Heartbreaking to see the devastating effects of #PaengPH. I offer my thoughts & prayers to all who are affected, especially friends & loved ones of the deceased. Our team is monitoring developments closely & stands ready to work with the (Philippine flag) government to assist. Please stay safe,” Carlson wrote.
“I am heartbroken to hear that more than 70 people have been killed by landslides & floods caused by Tropical Storm #PaengPH. All of @ukinphilippines and I are thinking of those affected by this tragedy. We are monitoring the situation closely and stand ready to support,” Beaufils’ post read.
READ: ‘Paeng’ intensifies into severe tropical storm; Signal No. 3 raised in 4 Luzon areas
Huang wrote in Filipino: “Hangad ko ang kaligtasan ng lahat (I wish for everyone’s safety).”
“My thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and all communities affected by the onslaught of typhoon Paeng. We in the Chinese embassy are ready to extend our support and coordinate with the Philippine government to respond to this tragedy,” he added.
Kazuhiko said he is “praying” for the safety of those affected by the typhoon, adding that “it’s heartbreaking to know the devastation Paeng has already caused, especially to the families who lost their loved ones.”
“I extend my sincerest sympathies. My heart goes out to all of you,” he tweeted.
Paeng caused landslides and flash floods in Visayas and Mindanao, with Maguindanao and Cotabato reporting the most number of casualties as of posting time.
READ: ‘Undas’ nightmare: ‘Shocked’ officials devastated by Typhoon ‘Paeng’s’ wrath
Official report as of 10 a.m. said more than 280 houses were damaged by the typhoon in Region 6, Region 7, Region 11, Region 12, CARAGA, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
Paeng made landfall in Camarines Sur at midnight of Saturday, Oct. 29, and around noon in the vicinity of the southeastern portion of Batangas.
It is expected to bring more rains and strong winds to the Cavite-Metro Manila-Bataan Peninsula this weekend.
Meralco also said that some 1.1 million customers across its franchise will experience momentarily and sustained power interruptions because of the weather disturbance.