Pretoria – President Jacob Zuma has expressed his condolences to President Benigno Aquino, the government and the people of Philippines, in the wake of Super Typhoon Haiyan.
Super Typhoon Haiyan struck the Philippines on Friday, killing at least 10 000 people and leaving hundreds of thousands displaced.
“During this time of pain and suffering, particularly in the case of those who have lost loved ones, please be assured that the government and people of South Africa share in your sorrow.
“We trust that the resilience of the people of the Philippines, that has seen them through very difficult times in the past, will help them overcome this great loss and devastation,” said Zuma in a statement on Sunday.
According to reports, Typhoon Haiyan is one of the most powerful storms on record to make landfall and is now bearing down on Vietnam, where tens of thousands of people are currently being evacuated.
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation said its consular services were keeping in contact with the embassy in the Philippines for regular updates. – SAnews.gov.za
