The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Monday conveyed its sympathies to India after massive floods and landslides claimed at least 868 lives and forced the evacuation of thousands in Kerala and at least six other states.
“Our hearts go out to the people of Kerala and other areas who have been affected, most especially those who lost their loved ones in the floods and landslides,” Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano said in a statement from Jakarta.
“We hope and pray that the waters would subside so that the process of recovery in the affected areas could immediately begin,” Cayetano added.
The DFA, at the same time, said the Philippine Embassy in New Delhi has reported that all 58 members of the Filipino Community in Kerala are safe and accounted for.
The Embassy earlier requested the assistance of authorities in rescuing two Filipinas who were reportedly trapped in their residences in the flood-ravaged districts of Ernakulam and Alappuzha in Kerala.
Philippine Ambassador to India Ma. Teresita Daza reported to the DFA that the Embassy and the Philippine Consulate in Chennai continue to monitor the situation in Kerala.
Authorities said the floods and landslides triggered by monsoon rains since June have subsided but not after displacing as many as 725,000 people in Kerala alone. /ee
READ: Thousands await rescue amid deadly south Indian floods