Ban offers condolences, UN assistance as hurricanes pummel Mexico

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has voiced his sadness at the loss of life and damage in Mexico caused by Hurricanes Ingrid and Manuel, and offered the assistance of the United Nations.

Some 1.2 million people have been affected by the hurricanes since 17 September. Mexican authorities also report that 97 people have been killed.

“The Secretary-General extends his sincere condolences to the Mexican Government and people, particularly the families of those who have been killed,” his spokesperson said in a statement. “He extends his solidarity to all those affected in this disaster.”

The UN stands ready to lend its assistance to efforts to respond to humanitarian needs resulting from the disaster and to mobilize any international support needed, he added.

A state of emergency has been declared in hundreds of municipalities along the Gulf of Mexico and the Pacific Coast, as further severe storms are expected.