Concerned by Devastating Floods in Balkans, Secretary-General Thanks Member States

For Prompt Response, Including Relief Teams, Civil-Military Support

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

The Secretary-General is concerned by the devastating impact of the floods in the Balkans, which are the worst for a hundred years.  More than 70,000 people have been evacuated and more than 50 have lost their lives in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Croatia.  People urgently need drinking water, food, tents and medical supplies.  Thousands of homes are without water and electrical power or are only reachable by boat.

The Secretary-General notes that the United Nations and humanitarian partners are working closely with the national authorities, supporting coordination and assessment efforts and providing aid and equipment, including water purification units, hygiene kits and other emergency supplies.

The Secretary-General thanks United Nations Member States for their prompt response, including relief teams and civil-military support.  The United Nations stands ready to mobilize further humanitarian support if requested.

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For information media • not an official record