UN chief saddened by flooding, landslides deaths in 4 Asian countries

UNITED NATIONS, Dec. 2 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life caused by severe flooding and landslides across Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia, his spokesperson said Tuesday.

Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said in a statement that the UN chief conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and expressed his solidarity with all those affected by the devastating floods.

The United Nations is in close contact with authorities in all four countries and stands ready to support relief and response efforts, and UN Country Teams remain at the disposal of governments to provide necessary assistance, he added.

More than 1,000 people have reportedly been killed, with many missing and millions affected as heavy rains continue to inundate large areas in the four countries, said the spokesperson.

The death toll from recent floods and landslides across three provinces on Indonesia's Sumatra Island has risen to 712, and over 400 Sri Lankans have been killed by landslides and floods caused by Cyclone Ditwah, media reports said. ■