Philippines: UN offers full support following deadly typhoon

The United Nations today offered full support to the Philippines in the wake of Typhoon Durian, in which 198 people are so far confirmed dead and 260 missing, with more than 25,000 others affected by floodwaters that have reportedly reached 10 feet in some areas.

The UN Resident Coordinator in the country made the offer to the Philippines National Disaster Coordinating Council after the typhoon made landfall yesterday with maximum sustained winds of 190 kilometres per hour at its centre with gusts of up to 225 kph.

The Council asked the UN to provide satellite imagery of areas hit by landslide. It will field a national assessment team tomorrow. Results will be known the same day, when the Government will decide whether international aid is required.