Pope prays for Agaton victims

Pope Francis has expressed “solidarity” to the victims of Tropical Depression Agaton (international name “Megi) as he offered prayers for the “dead, injured, and displaced as well as those engaged in recovery efforts.”

Vatican State Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin relayed the Pope’s  sentiments through a telegram addressed to Archbishop Charles Brown, Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines dated April 14.

“Having been informed of the recent loss of life and destruction caused by Typhoon Mei, His Holiness Pope Francis wishes to express his solidarity with all those suffering in the wake of the storm. He also offers the assurance of prayers for the dead, injured, and displaced as well as those engaged in recovery efforts,” the letter read.

“As a sign of his spiritual closeness, His Holiness willingly invokes upon all the Filipino people God’s blessings of strength and peace,” it added.

Based on the latest data from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDDRMC), the death toll due to the onslaught of TD Agaton has climbed to 137.

Of the numbers, 128 came from Eastern Visayas, six from Western Visayas, and three from Davao City. Meanwhile, around 28 people were still missing and eight were reported injured.

A total of 15 cities and municipalities also declared a state of calamity, including Sara and Lemery in Iloilo, Cateel in Davao Oriental, Trento in Agusan del Sur, and the entire province of Davao de Oro.

Weather bureau PAGASA said Agaton dissolved Wednesday morning after it weakened into a low-pressure area. — Sundy Locus/RSJ, GMA News