by Joyce Ann L. Rocamora/PNA
MANILA — The European Union (EU) and Japan on Tuesday sent condolences to the Philippines and the bereaved families of those who perished in the onslaught of tropical cyclone Usman that brought heavy rainfall and triggered landslides in the Mimaropa, Bicol and Central Visayas regions days before New Year’s celebration.
In a statement sent to the media, Japanese Ambassador Koji Haneda and EU Ambassador Franz Jessen offered “sincerest condolences” and prayers to the kin of those killed due to the storm.
“As a country tackling natural disasters,” Haneda said, noting that Japan stands in solidarity with the Filipino people.
Earlier, Taiwan also offered assistance to the Philippine government in tending to the people affected by the weather disturbance.
Although still subject for “validation”, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said there were 75 dead, 16 missing, and 12 injured reported in Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan), Bicol Region and Central Visayas as of January 1.
A total of 45,348 families or 191,597 individuals were affected by the tropical depression, 6,637 of which are families being served inside evacuation centers.
The provinces of Albay and Sorsogon are still under a state of calamity.
