Secretary-General saddened by flooding deaths, damage in ethiopia

 

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 Dire Dawa and South Omo, Ethiopia, which has led to more than 350 deaths and displaced nearly 20,000 people.

The Secretary-General extends his condolences to the families of the victims and to the survivors.  He commends the Government of Ethiopia on its rapid rescue operation of thousands of people marooned by the floods, and reaffirms that the United Nations humanitarian and development agencies will continue to assist the national response to this disaster.

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For information media • not an official record