Canada extends sympathy to Philippines typhoon victims

OTTAWA – The Canadian government is extending its sympathies to the Philippines in the wake of the massive typhoon that has devastated the Asian country.

Prime Minister Harper issued a statement on Saturday saying that Canada is standing by to assist in any way it can.

Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird tweeted on Saturday that he has spoken to the Filipino ambassador to Canada to offer the sympathy of Canadians.

At least 138 people are confirmed dead in the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan, but Filipino officials say it’s too early to know how high the death toll will climb.

The typhoon slammed into six central Philippine islands on Friday, wiping away buildings and levelling seaside homes.

The storm is now moving toward Vietnam.

The federal government has set up phone numbers for Canadians looking for information on relatives and friends who may have been caught in the affected areas. They are 1-800-387-3124 or 613-996-8885.