Vivian Balakrishnan sends condolences to Philippines after tropical storm Nalgae kills at least 150
This handout photo taken on Oct 30, 2022 shows damage to a village in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao province, after tropical storm Nalgae hit the region. (Photo: AFP/PHILIPPINE COAST GUARD)
SINGAPORE: Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Balakrishnan sent his condolences to his counterpart in the Philippines on Monday (Nov 7) after the country was devastated by tropical storm Nalgae.
In his letter to Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo, Dr Balakrishnan expressed his sadness over the destruction and casualties from the storm.
“Please accept my deepest condolences and sympathies to the families of the victims and affected communities”, he said.
“Our thoughts are with the people of the Philippines during this difficult time. Singapore stands ready to provide assistance to the Philippines where we can.”
Disaster officials said last week 150 people have died across the country due to landslides and floods triggered by the storm. Sixty-three were in the Bangsamoro region on the southern island of Mindanao.
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At least 128 people were reported injured and more than 30 people were still missing across the country, they added. More than 355,000 people also fled their homes.
Authorities warned last week that there is no more hope of finding more survivors.
Several villages and towns – including near the capital of Manila – were submerged underwater due to heavy rains. Power supplies were also cut in some areas.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr declared a state of calamity for six months in the worst-affected regions and freed up funds for relief efforts.
