Secretary-General concerned by Impact of Tropical Storm Washi in Philippines,

Says United Nations Stands Ready to Support Government Response to Disaster

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General is very concerned by the impact of Tropical Storm Washi (known locally as 'Sendong'), which has left at least 508 people killed and hundreds more missing in northern Mindanao, in the Philippines.

The Secretary-General expresses his condolences to the families of those affected, to the Government and the people of the Republic of the Philippines.  The Secretary-General commends the swift response to the crisis.

The United Nations and its partners stand ready to support the Government in responding to this disaster.

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For information media • not an official record