THE Isle of Man's Chief Minister has passed on the Island's "sincere sympathy" to the people of the Philippines following a tropical storm.

Typhoon Washi struck the southern Mindanao Island and surrounding areas on Saturday sparking flash floods which killed hundreds and left thousands more homeless.

The Philippines President, Benigno Aquino, has declared a national calamity and disaster relief agencies are currently attempting to provide food, water and medicine to survivors.

Allan Bell MHK has written to the Philippine Ambassador to the United Kingdom, His Excellency Enrique A.Manalo, to offer support.

He wrote: "On behalf of the Isle of Man I wish to express our sincere sympathy to you and the people of the Philippines for the tragic loss of life and destruction that has resulted from the recent flooding in your country.

"The Isle of Man is home to a number of people from the Philippines including some from the Mindanao region which I understand has been particularly affected by this tragedy.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time."