BAN SADDENED BY DEATHS AND DESTRUCTION AS FLOODS AND LANDSLIDES HIT CHINA

10 August - Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said today he was saddened by the loss of life and destruction caused by the severe flooding and landslides that have hit China, extending his condolences to the families of the victims and those whose homes and property have been destroyed.

Mr. Ban said in a statement issued by his spokesperson that he is aware of the tremendous efforts being undertaken by the Government of China to evacuate people out of the affected areas, as well as the country's search-and-rescue operations and humanitarian response to the meet the needs of those affected.

He “reaffirms the commitment of the United Nations to assist in any way in this effort should it be required,” the statement added.

Media reports have indicated that more than 700 people may have died in flood-induced landslides in the mountainous areas of north-western China.