The European Union has expressed solidarity with the Filipinos and offered to provide relief assistance to communities hit by the powerful typhoon.

In a post on Twitter, the EU delegation to the Philippines said the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) is prepared to extend relief aid as they expressed confidence the resilient Filipino nation will recover from the latest calamity.

“Our solidarity with the Filipino people as typhoon #RollyPh batters the country, particularly Bicol region.  @eu_echo #EU stands ready to assist in recovery efforts,” the EU delegation in the Philippines tweeted Sunday.

“The resiliency, strength, and courage of the Filipinos will persevere in these trying times,” it added.

The latest remark from the EU delegation came as typhoon “Rolly” slammed into the country with torrential rains and winds. Disaster relief authorities reported that seven people were killed as the typhoon unleashed its fury Sunday. Thousands of families have fled their homes to stay in temporary shelter while some flight and maritime operations were halted due to the onslaught of the storm.

President Duterte has already directed concerned authorities to extend immediate disaster response and relief to the storm-hit communities. Agencies have been asked to take necessary steps to ensure the safety and protection of the people from the typhoon, considered the strongest this year.