Annan saddened by flooding in Caribbean

United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan is saddened by reports that severe flooding throughout the Caribbean has caused heavy loss of life and extensive damage, especially in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, his spokesman said today.

"He extends his condolences to the families who have lost loved ones in this natural disaster," spokesman Fred Eckhard said.

UN teams in Haiti and the Dominican Republic are currently assessing the extent of needs created by the flooding, while UN officials across the Caribbean are in close contact with local authorities and stand ready to mobilize international support for recovery efforts, he said.