SECRETARY-GENERAL SADDENED BY HEAVY LOSS OF LIFE FROM DEVASTATING FLOODS IN HAITI, URGES QUICK INTERNATIONAL SUPPORT FOR RECOVERY

SECRETARY-GENERAL SADDENED BY HEAVY LOSS OF LIFE FROM DEVASTATING FLOODS

IN HAITI, URGES QUICK INTERNATIONAL SUPPORT FOR RECOVERY

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

The Secretary-General is deeply saddened by the heavy loss of life and destruction suffered by the people of Haiti after the recent devastating floods.  He extends his deepest condolences to the families of the hundreds who have been killed or injured in the floods, especially in the hard-hit north-western city of Gonaives.

The United Nations is supporting Haitian authorities in the crisis and is increasing efforts to deliver food, shelter, health care and clean water to those most affected by the flooding.  The Secretary-General urges the international community to quickly provide Haiti, one of the world’s poorest countries, the support it needs to recover from this devastating natural disaster.

* *** *