Secretary-General saddened by loss of life following earthquake in Guatemala, offers support

The United Nations stands ready to lend its support in response to the damage caused by an earthquake which struck Guatemala yesterday, a spokesperson for the world body’s Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said today, while also noting the UN chief’s sadness over the event.

“The United Nations stands ready to lend its assistance to efforts already under way by the Guatemalan authorities to respond to humanitarian needs created by the disaster and to mobilize any international support needed for that response,” the spokesperson told a news briefing at UN Headquarters in New York.

According to media reports, at least 48 people are dead, another 150 are injured and dozens are missing, with residents seeking safety in streets due to concerns over aftershocks on Thursday. The earthquake, reportedly measuring 7.4 on the Richter scale, struck off the coast of Guatemala near its border with Mexico on Wednesday, 7 November.

The spokesperson added that the Secretary-General is saddened by the loss of life, and the damage to homes and infrastructure in Guatemala as a result of the earthquake.

“He extends his sincere condolences to the Guatemalan government and people, particularly the families of those who have been killed or otherwise affected in this disaster,” the spokesperson said.