Nagpaabot ng simpatya ang United Nations (UN) at Humanitarian Country Team sa mga nasalanta ng Bagyong Odette na tumama sa mga lugar sa Visayas at Mindanao nitong weekend.
“Over the weekend, humanitarian assessment teams were able to access areas and communities hit hardest by Typhoon Odette for the first time,” ani UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator in the Philippines Gustavo Gonzalez sa isang pahayag nitong Lunes, Dis. 20.
“The reports and images of utter devastation they are sending back are heartbreaking and our deepest sympathies go out to those who lost so much, including loved ones,” dagdag nito.
Pinuri rin ni Gonzales ang frontline responders na pinamumunuan ng mga awtoridad ng gobyerno, sandatahang lakas, at ang Red Cross, at iba pang tumulong sa evacuation, search at rescue efforts.
“On behalf of the UN and the Humanitarian Country Team, our message to the people of the Philippines is one of solidarity and support,” sabi ni Gonzales.
Samantala, tiniyak ni Gonzales na ang ahensya ay nakikipag-ugnayan na sa gobyerno “to ensure we provide timely support and are fully mobilized in addressing critical gaps and the needs of the most vulnerable.”
“A coordinated response by the UN agencies, NGOs, and private sector partners in country is already underway to meet immediate needs in shelter, health, food, protection, and other life-saving responses,” dagdag ng UN official.
Nasa kabuuang 208 na ang nasawi sa paghagupit ng Bagyong Odette mula Lunes ng umaga, Dis. 20.
Mahigit 130,000 pamilya naman mula sa Regions V, VI, VIII, X, XI MIMAROPA at Caraga ang apektado ngayon ng pinsalang iniwan ng bagyo.
Jaleen Ramos
