SECRETARY-GENERAL SADDENED BY DEADLY IMPACT OF FLOODS IN MEXICO, CENTRAL AMERICA

SECRETARY-GENERAL SADDENED BY DEADLY IMPACT OF FLOODS IN MEXICO , CENTRAL AMERICA

The following statement is attributable to the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General is saddened by the loss of life and damage caused by the severe flooding and mudslides that have affected hundreds of thousands of people across Mexico and Central America.  He extends his condolences to all those who have been affected by this natural disaster, and particularly to the families who have lost their loved ones.

The United Nations is currently assessing the extent of the needs created by the flooding and mudslides in the affected countries.  The Regional Disaster Response Adviser for Latin America and the Caribbean is en route to El Salvador and a team of disaster assessment and coordination experts is being deployed in the region.  United Nations officials remain in close contact with local authorities and stand ready to mobilize international support for emergency relief and recovery efforts.

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For information media • not an official record