US ready to assist in PH typhoon relief efforts

The United States is ready to assist the Philippines in its ongoing relief efforts after Typhoon Tino left at least 66 people dead, its envoy to Manila said Wednesday.

"My heart goes out to everyone affected by Typhoon Tino's devastation. We extend our condolences to the friends and families of those who perished and salute the brave first responders on the scene. Working with our friends, partners, allies, the US stands ready to assist," US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson said on X.

Most of the casualties died from flash floods, particularly in Cebu, which was still reeling from a deadly earthquake that devastated parts of the province last Sept. 30.

The massive flooding inundated residential areas, prompting residents to climb up to their roofs, where they sought immediate help from the local officials.

In a separate incident, six people were killed when a Philippine Air Force helicopter en route to provide humanitarian aid to typhoon-hit areas crashed in the southern province of Agusan del Sur on Tuesday.

Washigton said live-saving assistance, such as disaster response, is a priority in the Philippines under its foreign assistance program.

Tino (international name Kalmaegi) was last spotted early Wednesday over the western island province of Palawan with sustained winds of 120 kph and gusts of up to 150 kph. It was expected to move towards the South China Sea later Wednesday. —VAL, GMA Integrated News