JAPANESE Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa expressed his sympathy to the families of victims of Severe Tropical Storm “Paeng,” which wreaked havoc in the country last week, leaving scores dead and flooding several areas.

In a statement Monday night, the envoy said the Japanese government stands with the Philippines and the Filipinos, adding that Japan is ready to provide “maximum possible assistance”.

“I would like to extend my heartfelt sympathy to the government of the Philippines and its people on the damages resulting from the typhoon that hit the vast areas of the Philippines,” Hayashi said.

“My deepest condolences are with the victims and the bereaved, and I sincerely pray for the speedy recovery of the affected people as well as the prompt restoration of the affected areas,” he added.

To date, the number of deaths from the onslaught of Paeng has reached 110, based on the data from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

Of the 98 reported deaths, 79 have been validated, while 31 are still for validation.

A total of 101 individuals are injured, while 33 are still missing. Philippine News Agency

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