UN chief saddened by loss of life in tropical storm in Philippines

UNITED NATIONS, Dec. 23 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is saddened by the loss of life and devastation caused by Tropical Storm Tembin in the Philippines, his spokesman said in a statement on Saturday.

Some 200 people have died and dozens more remain missing after Tropical Storm Tembin landed on the southern island of Mindanao on Friday.

Guterres extended his deepest sympathies to the families of the victims and wished those injured a speedy recovery, said Stephane Dujarric.

Guterres saluted the efforts of the national rescue and recovery teams as well as volunteers who are operating under difficult conditions, said the spokesman.

The United Nations stands ready to support local and national authorities, in addition to the support already being provided by humanitarian partners, the statement said. Enditem