SECRETARY-GENERAL DEEPLY DISTRESSED BY DESTRUCTION CAUSED BY FLOODS IN MOZAMBIQUE

Press Release
SG/SM/7310
AFR/211

SECRETARY-GENERAL DEEPLY DISTRESSED BY DESTRUCTION CAUSED BY FLOODS IN MOZAMBIQUE

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

The Secretary-General is deeply distressed by the destruction caused by the worst floods in 50 years in Mozambique, which have affected up to 220,000 people. He extends his condolences to the affected families and to the surviving victims.

The Secretary-General reiterates the disposition of the United Nations to continue to assist the Mozambican Government in its efforts to save lives and provide emergency assistance to those affected by this disaster. He notes that preparations are under way to launch immediately a United Nations inter-agency appeal to address the needs of those in urgent need of assistance. The Secretary-General hopes that donors will respond to this appeal promptly and generously.

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