Saddened by Destruction, Loss of Life as Hurricane Irma Hits Caribbean, Secretary-General Commends Response, Pledges United Nations Solidarity

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General António Guterres:

The Secretary-General is saddened by the reports of immense destruction and loss of life in the Caribbean region since Hurricane Irma made landfall on Antigua and Barbuda on Wednesday.  He extends his condolences to the Governments and peoples of all the island countries and territories in the region impacted by Hurricane Irma.

The Secretary-General expresses the United Nations’ solidarity and commends the leadership of the respective Governments for their preparedness and response to the needs of the affected communities.  The United Nations system is already working to support national relief efforts.