Pope Francis Consoles Typhoon Odette Victims

Pope Francis on Sunday consoled Filipinos as the Philippines reeled from the devastation left by Typhoon Odette (Rai), the strongest storm to hit the country this year that left at least 200 people dead.

Francis, in a tweet, said he hopes that the Santo Niño or Child Jesus may bring hope to victims of the monster storm.

"I express my closeness to the population of the Philippines, struck by a strong typhoon that has caused many deaths and destroyed so many homes. May the 'Santo Niño' bring consolation and hope to the families of those most affected," the pontiff tweeted.

At least 208 people were killed and 52 were missing after the latest disaster hit the archipelago, with hundreds more injured after the storm-ravaged southern and central regions, the Philippine National Police.

More than 300,000 people fled their homes and beachfront resorts as Odette slammed into the country on Thursday.

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Survivors of the typhoon are appealing for urgent aid, mostly drinking water and food, after Odette busted pipes and toppled down power lines.

The Philippines is battered by an average of 20 storms a year, which typically destroys homes, and wipes out harvests.

In 2015, Pope Francis visited the Philippines to console victims of Super Typhoon Yolanda--the strongest storm to hit land in 2013--that left over 7,000 people dead or missing.