China offers aid to typhoon-hit Philippines

BEIJING - The Red Cross Society of China will offer 100,000 US dollars worth of humanitarian aid to the Philippines after the havoc caused by Typhoon Haima, a spokesperson said Monday.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang made the announcement at a regular news briefing, adding that the Chinese government will also provide the Philippines with additional assistance.

"China believes, with the leadership of the Philippine government, those affected people will overcome the disaster and come back to normal lives as early as possible," Lu said.

The death toll in the Philippines from super Typhoon Haima rose to 16 on Saturday. A total of 35,486 families or 149,659 persons were displaced and most are staying at one of the country's 643 evacuation centers, the Philippine National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said.