SECRETARY-GENERAL EXTENDS CONDOLENCES TO INDIA FOR CYCLONE DEVESTATION, REITERATES UN READINESS TO ASSIST IN RELIEF, RECOVERY EFFORTS

Press Release
SG/SM/7202

SECRETARY-GENERAL EXTENDS CONDOLENCES TO INDIA FOR CYCLONE DEVESTATION, REITERATES UN READINESS TO ASSIST IN RELIEF, RECOVERY EFFORTS

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General is distressed by the devastation caused by the powerful cyclone on 29 October that is reported to have affected more than 10 million people, in eight districts of the Indian state of Orissa. The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs is moblizing the United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination team (UNDAC) to assist the United Nations Resident Coordinator and United Nations agencies in the country with the coordination of the international response to this disaster, including damage assessment and relief efforts.

The Secretary-General extends his condolences to the Government of India and to the families affected and reiterates the readiness of the United Nations system to assist in relief and recovery efforts being undertaken by the Indian Government.

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