Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman, have sent messages of condolences to Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte for the victims of the typhoon that struck the Philippines on Sunday.

In their messages, the Saudi leaders said: “We have learned about the news of the typhoon that struck your country, resulting in human and material losses. We share your pain and offer to you, the families of the deceased, and your friendly people our warmest condolences and sincere sympathy.

At least 17 people were killed after Typhoon Goni, the world's strongest typhoon this year, swept across the Philippines on Sunday, according to the country's emergency agencies.

The typhoon, known locally as Typhoon Rolly, passed over the south of the country's main island Luzon, causing heavy rainfall, flooding, and landslides, before weakening as it skirted the edges of the capital of Manila.

Philippines Red Cross Chairman Dick Gordon said an assessment suggested that Virac, home to 70,000 people, had been severely damaged by Typhoon Goni.

Civil defense officials in the country estimate about 370,000 people have been displaced by the storm and tens of thousands of homes have been destroyed, though the capital Manila was largely spared.