SECRETARY-GENERAL SADDENED BY REPORTS OF SEVERE FLOODING IN CARIBBEAN, RESULTING IN HEAVY LOSS OF LIFE, EXTENSIVE DAMAGE

Secretary-General saddened by reports of severe flooding in caribbean,

resulting in heavy loss of life, extensive damage

Following is the text of a statement attributable to the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General is saddened by reports that severe flooding throughout the Caribbean has caused heavy loss of life and extensive damage, especially in Haiti and the Dominican Republic.  He extends his condolences to the families who have lost loved ones in this natural disaster.

United Nations Country Teams in Haiti and the Dominican Republic are currently assessing the extent of needs created by the flooding.  United Nations officials across the Caribbean are in close contact with local authorities and stand ready to mobilize international support for recovery efforts.

* *** *