MANILA, Philippines — As the country reels from the death and devastation wrought by a slew of natural disasters in recent days, the United Nations expressed its sympathies with the Philippines and expressed readiness to provide support to local emergency operations. Earlier last week, another tropical storm, "Urduja," left more than 50 people dead and 31 others missing due to landslides and flooding. "The Secretary-General is saddened to learn of the loss of life and devastation caused by Tropical Storm Tembin (known locally as “Vinta”) in Mindanao, the Philippines. The Secretary-General extends his deepest sympathies to the families of the victims and wishes those injured a speedy recovery," United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in a statement. "The United Nations stands ready to support the local and national authorities, in addition to the support already being provided by humanitarian partners," he said.

Source: Philippine Star December 25, 2017 02:03 UTC