SECRETARY-GENERAL DEEPLY SADDENED BY LOSS OF LIFE IN TRAGIC FLOODING IN INDIA

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

The Secretary-General is deeply saddened over the loss of life and damage caused by the recent flooding in the Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Gujarat States of India, where over 161 people have been killed and over 6 million are affected.

The Secretary-General regrets the loss of life due to this tragedy and extends his condolences to the victims and their families.  He commends the Government of India on its rapid search and rescue operations and establishment of relief camps.  The United Nations stands ready to offer any assistance requested by the Indian Government to support the national response to this disaster.

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For information media • not an official record