Annan deeply saddened by death toll in Algiers flooding

The United Nations Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, today expressed his deep sadness over the high number of deaths and the destruction caused by the heavy rains and floods that have affected over 4,000 families in the Algiers area.

"The Secretary-General welcomes the quick and generous response by several Member States to the appeal for emergency assistance issued by the Government of Algeria," a spokesman for Mr. Annan said in a statement.

The spokesman said the Secretary-General extended his condolences to the affected families.