Pope Francis has offered prayers to Filipinos affected by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine, which devastated many areas in Luzon including Calabarzon and the Bicol Region.

Pope Francis made the remarks during his Angelus address at the Vatican on Sunday, October 27, according to a report of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP). 

“I am close to the population of the Philippines, struck by a powerful cyclone. May the Lord support that people, so full of faith,” the report quoted the Pope as saying. 

Latest data from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) showed the number of reported fatalities due to Kristine has reached 116 as of October 28. A total of 10 were already validated and the rest were still subject to validation. 

Thirty-nine individuals were also reported missing and 109 others were reported injured, according to the NDRRMC.

Kristine also affected 6.7 million people or 1.6 million families in 10,147 barangays nationwide. Of them, 980,355 individuals were displaced and had to stay in 6,286 evacuation centers. 

The storm also brought P2.5 billion agricultural damage and P1.5 billion worth of damage to infrastructure. 

At least 160 cities and municipalities were placed under a state of calamity due to the tropical storm.

Israel extends sympathy

Meanwhile, the Israel Embassy in the Philippines extended its sympathy to the victims of Kristine. 

“We extend our deepest sympathies to the families who have lost loved ones and offer our prayers for the injured. In these difficult times, we pray for strength and resilience as you rise from the aftermath of the typhoon,” it said in a statement. 

“To our Filipino friends, we stand with you in spirit and prayer as you navigate through this challenging time.” —Sundy Locus/KBK, GMA Integrated News