Pope prays for typhoon victims in the Philippines

Pope Francis offered prayers Sunday for the people of the Philippines, struck by a typhoon "that destroyed many homes."

"May the Santo Niño bring consolation and hope to the families in difficulty and inspire all of us to offer concrete aid. The first concrete aid is prayer" Francis said speaking from his studio window in the Apostolic Palace.

The death toll from the strongest typhoon to batter the Phillipines this year stands at least 112.

Governor Arthur Yap of Bohol province said 10 others were missing and 13 injured, and suggested the fatalities may still considerably increase with only 33 out of 48 mayors able to report back to him due to downed communications.

Officials were trying to confirm a sizable number of deaths caused by landslides and extensive flooding elsewhere.

Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte flew to the region on Saturday and promised two billion pesos (US$40 million) in new aid, although he admitted money was "a bit tight" due to the fight against COVID.

Aides said the president will visit Bohol on Sunday.