Queen Elizabeth extends condolences to Duterte over deadly Typhoon Odette

Queen Elizabeth II has expressed her condolences to President Rodrigo Duterte following the devastation caused by Typhoon Odette, according to the United Kingdom's Ambassador to the Philippines Laure Beaufils on Wednesday.

"Today, Her Majesty The Queen sent President Duterte a message offering her condolences and deepest sympathies to all those affected by Odette," Beaufils said in a statement.

"The United Kingdom stands in solidarity with the Philippines and Filipino people in the wake of this devastating typhoon," she added.

Beaufils earlier announced that the British government had committed to donating £750,000 (P50 million) to the International Federation of Red Cross and Philippine Red Cross to aid the typhoon victims.

"We are monitoring the situation closely and stand ready to assist," she said.

On Wednesday, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said the death toll from Odette has climbed to 177, with 275 injured and 38 still missing.

Odette left the Philippine Area of Responsibility on December 18 after wreaking havoc in Visayas, Mindanao, and Palawan. — VBL, GMA News