Washington, Dec 20 (IANS): US President Barack Obama has condoled the heavy casualties witnessed in the Philippines following a tropical storm and flooding since Saturday, said a White House statement Monday.
"On behalf of the American people, I wish to express my deep condolences for the tremendous loss of life and devastation caused by recent flooding in the Philippines," Xinhua quoted the US President as saying in the statement.
"The United States stands ready to assist the Philippine people and government should humanitarian assistance and recovery efforts be needed," he added.
Typhoon Washi battered the Philippines' Mindanao island Dec 17, causing massive floods in the region and killing at least 508 people and leaving hundreds of people as missing.