Russian President Putin condoles with Philippines after Odette devastation

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday (Russia time) conveyed his condolences to President Rodrigo Duterte for the devastation caused by Typhoon Odette.

"Russia shares the grief of those who lost their family members and friends as a result of this natural disaster and wishes a speedy recovery to all those injured," Putin said in a message sent to Duterte.

Duterte on Tuesday declared a state of calamity over regions hit by Typhoon Odette last week.

During his Talk to the People, Duterte said these areas include  Regions 4B, 6, 7, 8, 10 and 13.

Duterte also said the declaration would hasten relief and rehabilitation efforts in these calamity-stricken areas.

As of noon of December 21, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said at least 156 were reported dead, 37 were missing and 275 were injured due to Odette's heavy rains and strong winds. 

NDRRMC spokesperson Mark Timbal said they are coordinating with the Philippine National Police to verify the organization's tally of 375 deaths. —KG, GMA News