Turkey sends condolences for Philippines typhoon

By Havva Kara Aydin

ANKARA (AA) - Turkey on Tuesday expressed its condolences to the Philippines over the loss of lives caused by a typhoon striking the east of the country last week.

"We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives and extensive damage caused by typhoon Ursula (Phanfone) that hit Eastern Samar province, Western/Eastern Visayas and Southern Luzon regions in Philippines," the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

It added that Turkey extended its heartfelt condolences to the relatives of those who lost their lives as well as the people of the Philippines and wish speedy recovery to the injured.

At least 47 victims lost their lives and 143 others injured after the typhoon Ursula hit Philippines, according to the state-run Philippines News Agency.

The typhoon caused huge destruction across the central Philippines and parts of Mindanao.

It affected nearly 482,350 families and damaged some 378,312 houses, of which 103,118 are totally destroyed and 275,194 partially damaged in the Mimaropa, Western Visayas, Central Visayas and Eastern Visayas areas.