United States State Department Secretary Antony Blinken said Washington is ready to provide assistance to those affected by super typhoon Carina in the Philippines.
Blinken's assurance came as he spoke by phone with Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Enrique Manalo to discuss the upcoming 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue among the two of them and with Secretary of Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and National Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro in Manila.
"Secretary Blinken further shared condolences for those in the Philippines who have died or been displaced as a result of Typhoon Gaemi and recent monsoon-related flooding," a readout provided by the US State Department stated.
At least 21 people died and five are missing after Carina battered Luzon, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP).
US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson had earlier expressed sympathies with the Filipino people and said the US stands ready to provide assistance.
Other countries that are prepared to assist the Philippines include China, Japan, Israel, Canada, Romania, Germany, the United Kingdom and Australia, as their envoys in Manila expressed their message of sympathy.
Manalo and Blinken also talked about the importance of the United States-Philippines alliance.
They even spoke about shared priorities both in the Indo-Pacific region and around the world, the readout added.