President of the Manila-based Asian Development Bank Haruhiko Kuroda Saturday offered his deepest sympathy following a landslide disaster that hit Southern Leyte province on Friday, saying his organization stands ready to assist.

"I am deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives, suffering, and damage caused by the landslide in Saint Bernard town, Southern Leyte province," the ADB president said in a letter sent to Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

"On behalf of the Asian Development Bank, I offer my deepest sympathy and condolences to the people of the Philippines, and the families and relatives of the victims," he said.

Hundreds, if not thousands of villagers were buried under thick mud and rocks when a landslide struck a village in Saint Bernard Friday. Only 57 survivors have been found so far out of some 1,500 people who were missing after the disaster.

Kuroda said ADB is closely monitoring the situation and is making plans to assist with the efforts to address the consequences of the natural disaster.

He assured the Philippine government of ADB's fullest support and cooperation in alleviating the suffering brought about by this devastating incident.

ADB has a long experience of dealing with disasters and emergencies, including the Asian tsunami disaster one year ago and the October 2005 earthquake in Pakistan-controlled Kashimir.

In the Philippines, after the Mt. Pinatubo volcanic eruption in June 1991, ADB supported resettlement, bridge and road rehabilitation, reconstruction of schools, health centers and public markets, farm rehabilitation, and quick employment generation.

Source: Xinhua