OREANDA-NEWS. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) expresses its condolences to the families of those who were killed in the recent tropical storms in the Philippines that impacted the Visayas and Mindanao regions.

“On behalf of ADB, I offer my deepest sympathy and condolences to the government and the affected people of the country,” said ADB President Takehiko Nakao. “We understand and empathize with the suffering and hardship faced by thousands of people and families, especially during the holiday season.”

Two tropical storms—Urduja and Vinta—entered the Philippines in December bringing heavy rain, floods, and landslides to the central and southern parts of the country, resulting in more than 200 casualties and displacing tens of thousands of people from their homes.

Mr. Nakao commended the Philippine government for the preparations prior to the storms as well as the relief and rescue operations, which prevented further casualties and damage.

As a long-standing development partner of the Philippines, Mr. Nakao said ADB is ready to provide assistance to the Government of the Philippines in the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the affected areas.

ADB, based in Manila, is dedicated to reducing poverty in Asia and the Pacific through inclusive economic growth, environmentally sustainable growth, and regional integration. Established in 1966, it is owned by 67 members—48 from the region.