Annan offers UN support to India after deadly floods affect 6 million people

Expressing deep sadness over the deadly floods in India, which have killed over 160 people and affected more than 6 million, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan said today the world body was ready to offer whatever assistance was needed to help the Government deal with the disaster.

“The Secretary-General regrets the loss of life due to this tragedy and extends his condolences to the victims and their families,” according to a statement released in New York, in which Mr. Annan also commended India authorities for their rapid search and rescue operations.

He also regretted the damage to property caused by the recent floods that affected the states of Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Gujarat and said that the world body “stands ready to offer any assistance requested by the Indian Government to support the national response to this disaster.”